UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008

OR

 

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the transition period from            to            .

Commission file number 001-33099

 

 

BlackRock, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware 32-0174431

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

40 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(212) 810-5300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant:registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”,filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  x

Accelerated filer  ¨

 AcceleratedNon-accelerated filer  ¨

Smaller reporting company  ¨

Non-accelerated filer  ¨ (Do(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of JulyOctober 31, 2008, there were 118,059,866118,176,122 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

 

 


BlackRock, Inc.

Index to Form 10-Q

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

     Page
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

 Financial Statements (unaudited)  
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

  1
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

  2
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

  3
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  4
 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  6

Item 2.

 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  2728

Item 3.

 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  5459

Item 4.

 Controls and Procedures  5560

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

 Legal Proceedings  5661

Item 1A.

Risk Factors61

Item 2.

 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  56

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders5762

Item 6.

 Exhibits  5863

 

- ii -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

  June 30,
2008
 December 31,
2007
   September 30,
2008
 December 31,
2007
 

Assets

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $1,427,522  $1,656,200   $1,793,293  $1,656,200 

Accounts receivable

   1,569,116   1,235,940    1,208,577   1,235,940 

Due from related parties

   204,476   174,853    241,419   174,853 

Investments

   1,941,525   1,999,944    2,145,744   1,999,944 

Separate account assets

   4,026,713   4,669,874    3,532,448   4,669,874 

Deferred mutual fund sales commissions, net

   168,271   174,849    156,083   174,849 

Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $267,074 at June 30, 2008 and $225,645 at December 31, 2007)

   265,399   266,460 

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $251,591 at June 30, 2008 and $178,450 at December 31, 2007)

   6,507,087   6,553,122 

Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $240,506 at September 30, 2008 and $225,645 at December 31, 2007)

   274,295   266,460 

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $288,148 at September 30, 2008 and $178,450 at December 31, 2007)

   6,476,773   6,553,122 

Goodwill

   5,535,174   5,519,714    5,543,993   5,519,714 

Other assets

   371,969   310,559    324,047   310,559 
              

Total assets

  $22,017,252  $22,561,515   $21,696,672  $22,561,515 
       
       

Liabilities

      

Accrued compensation and benefits

  $666,190  $1,086,590   $825,561  $1,086,590 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   1,029,636   788,968    731,367   788,968 

Due to related parties

   93,972   114,347    116,408   114,347 

Short-term borrowings

   300,000   300,000    200,000   300,000 

Long-term borrowings

   946,552   947,021    946,693   947,021 

Separate account liabilities

   4,026,713   4,669,874    3,532,448   4,669,874 

Deferred tax liabilities

   1,993,398   2,059,980    2,039,467   2,059,980 

Other liabilities

   286,694   419,570    248,572   419,570 
              

Total liabilities

   9,343,155   10,386,350    8,640,516   10,386,350 
              

Non-controlling interests

   544,388   578,210    868,992   578,210 
              

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

      

Stockholders’ equity

      

Common stock ($0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 118,573,367 shares issued, 117,071,411 and 116,059,560 shares outstanding at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

   1,186   1,186 

Series A participating preferred stock ($0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized and 12,604,918 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007)

   126   126 

Common stock ($0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 118,573,367 shares issued, 117,233,559 and 116,059,560 shares outstanding at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

   1,186   1,186 

Series A participating preferred stock ($0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized and 12,604,918 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007)

   126   126 

Additional paid-in capital

   10,342,601   10,274,096    10,407,129   10,274,096 

Retained earnings

   1,929,726   1,622,041    2,042,520   1,622,041 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   91,504   71,020 

Escrow shares, common, at cost (911,266 and 1,191,785 held at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

   (143,367)  (187,500)

Treasury stock, common, at cost (590,690 and 1,322,022 shares held at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

   (92,067)  (184,014)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   (53,615)  71,020 

Escrow shares, common, at cost (911,266 and 1,191,785 held at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

   (143,367)  (187,500)

Treasury stock, common, at cost (428,542 and 1,322,022 shares held at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

   (66,815)  (184,014)
              

Total stockholders’ equity

   12,129,709   11,596,955    12,187,164   11,596,955 
              

Total liabilities, non-controlling interests and stockholders’ equity

  $22,017,252  $22,561,515   $21,696,672  $22,561,515 
              

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 1 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

  Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2008 2007 2008 2007  2008 2007 2008 2007 

Revenue

          

Investment advisory and administration base fees

          

Related parties

  $773,477  $625,424  $1,521,439  $1,200,204   $704,974  $681,420  $2,226,413  $1,881,627 

Other third parties

   387,880   325,186   772,796   623,914    379,427   345,010   1,152,223   968,923 

Investment advisory performance fees

   57,079   25,720   98,622   48,138    54,680   149,382   153,302   197,518 
                          

Investment advisory and administration base and performance fees

   1,218,436   976,330   2,392,857   1,872,256    1,139,081   1,175,812   3,531,938   3,048,068 

BlackRock Solutions

   112,593   47,683   271,959   136,293 

Distribution fees

   33,683   32,867   69,002   57,687    34,229   32,310   103,231   89,997 

Other revenue

        27,317   42,274   93,182   126,118 

Other third parties

   125,777   80,780   211,318   161,011 

Related parties

   9,055   7,046   13,912   11,443 
                          

Total revenue

   1,386,951   1,097,023   2,687,089   2,102,397    1,313,220   1,298,079   4,000,310   3,400,476 
                          

Expenses

          

Employee compensation and benefits

   551,954   408,773   1,020,903   756,075    468,094   499,742   1,488,997   1,255,817 

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

          

Related parties

   126,968   115,452   257,214   232,969    125,403   123,738   382,616   356,705 

Other third parties

   26,650   15,625   52,143   29,194    24,856   15,112   76,999   44,309 

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   33,422   28,713   63,630   50,271    33,857   28,763   97,487   79,034 

General and administration

          

Other third parties

   203,794   190,752   407,576   382,445    163,242   178,067   570,821   560,512 

Related parties

   2,601   24,632   11,802   35,104    7,675   21,740   19,476   56,844 

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   —     128,114   —     128,114 

Amortization of intangible assets

   36,572   31,075   73,141   62,107    36,557   31,085   109,698   93,193 
                          

Total expenses

   981,961   815,022   1,886,409   1,548,165    859,684   1,026,361   2,746,094   2,574,528 
                          

Operating income

   404,990   282,001   800,680   554,232    453,536   271,718   1,254,216   825,948 
                          

Non-operating income (expense)

          

Net gain (loss) on investments

   (467)  210,203   (19,956)  360,563    (142,552)  117,895   (162,508)  478,458 

Interest and dividend income

   13,924   13,738   32,263   32,095    19,605   20,109   51,868   52,204 

Interest expense

   (16,720)  (10,223)  (34,098)  (21,209)   (16,737)  (9,815)  (50,835)  (31,023)
                          

Total non-operating income (expense)

   (3,263)  213,718   (21,791)  371,449    (139,684)  128,189   (161,475)  499,639 
                          

Income before income taxes and non-controlling interests

   401,727   495,719   778,889   925,681    313,852   399,907   1,092,741   1,325,587 

Income tax expense

   147,569   125,012   277,700   234,918    117,237   63,168   394,937   298,086 
                          

Income before non-controlling interests

   254,158   370,707   501,189   690,763    196,615   336,739   697,804   1,027,501 

Non-controlling interests

   (19,900)  148,463   (14,540)  273,131    (21,111)  81,539   (35,651)  354,669 
                          

Net income

  $274,058  $222,244  $515,729  $417,632   $217,726  $255,200  $733,455  $672,832 
                          

Earnings per share:

          

Basic

  $2.12  $1.73  $3.99  $3.25   $1.68  $1.99  $5.67  $5.24 

Diluted

  $2.05  $1.69  $3.87  $3.17   $1.62  $1.94  $5.49  $5.12 

Cash dividends declared and paid per share

  $0.78  $0.67  $1.56  $1.34   $0.78  $0.67  $2.34  $2.01 

Weighted-average shares outstanding:

          

Basic

   129,569,325   128,544,894   129,242,591   128,676,577    129,793,939   128,161,027   129,427,715   128,501,575 

Diluted

   133,526,713   131,383,470   133,189,957   131,580,121    134,012,819   131,316,455   133,500,644   131,534,188 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 2 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2008 2007  2008 2007  2008 2007 2008 2007 

Net income

  $274,058  $222,244  $515,729  $417,632   $217,726  $255,200  $733,455  $672,832 

Other comprehensive income:

           

Net unrealized gain (loss) from available-for-sale investments, net of tax

   1,228   586   (3,937)  (871)   (6,944)  (1,417)  (10,881)  (2,288)

Minimum pension liability adjustment

   —     —     (542)  —      (67)  —     (609)  —   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (1,344)  16,371   24,963   18,574    (138,109)  24,527   (113,146)  43,100 
                          

Comprehensive income

  $273,942  $239,201  $536,213  $435,335   $72,606  $278,310  $608,819  $713,644 
                          

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 3 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

  Six Months Ended
June 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2008 2007  2008 2007 

Cash flows from operating activities

      

Net income

  $515,729  $417,632   $733,455  $672,832 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operating activities:

      

Depreciation and other amortization

   115,346   94,686    175,485   143,387 

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   63,630   50,271    97,487   79,034 

Non-controlling interests

   (14,540)  273,131    (35,651)  354,669 

Stock-based compensation

   133,071   91,430    204,171   142,519 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

   (66,323)  41,462 

Other net gains and net proceeds (purchases) of investments

   16,185   (329,149)

Earnings from equity method investees

   (10,410)  (22,475)

Deferred income tax benefit

   (85,999)  (100,576)

Other net (gains) losses and net proceeds (purchases) of investments

   54,125   (584,373)

(Earnings) losses from equity method investees

   89,573   (55,783)

Distributions of earnings from equity method investees

   13,946   5,118    18,155   9,375 

Other adjustments

   (757)  (1,669)   4,454   (1,644)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable

   (323,765)  (113,288)   14,248   (195,236)

Due from related parties

   (29,623)  35,095    (65,870)  16,578 

Deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   (57,052)  (26,948)   (78,721)  (46,203)

Investments, trading

   221,682   (134,615)   234,419   (20,518)

Other assets

   59,879   (219,485)   50,094   (79,195)

Accrued compensation and benefits

   (415,186)  (362,267)   (262,729)  (73,571)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   255,659   150,583    10,416   (5,401)

Due to related parties

   (20,375)  (158,788)   2,061   (5,981)

Other liabilities

   24,377   131,667    (2,961)  111,402 
              

Cash flows from operating activities

   481,473   (77,609)   1,156,212   361,315 
              

Cash flows from investing activities

      

Purchases of investments

   (285,221)  (214,786)   (356,324)  (313,837)

Purchases of assets held for sale

   (58,719)  —   

Net purchases of assets held for sale

   (17,791)  —   

Proceeds from sales of investments

   52,231   128,311    67,661   193,731 

Distributions of capital from equity method investees

   7,995   —      12,022   5,695 

Purchases of property and equipment

   (39,903)  (62,305)   (71,776)  (84,940)

Net consolidations (deconsolidations) of sponsored investment funds

   —     (5,709)   —     (7,703)

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   —     (42,198)   (5,455)  (42,272)

Proceeds from other investing activities

   4,361   —   
              

Cash flows from investing activities

   (319,256)  (196,687)   (371,663)  (249,326)
              

 

- 4 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

  Six Months Ended
June 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2008 2007  2008 2007 

Cash flows from financing activities

      

Repayment of long-term borrowings

   (751)  —   

Repayment of short-term borrowings

   (100,000)  —   

Repayments of short-term borrowings

   (400,000)  —   

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

   100,000   360,000    300,000   450,000 

Repayments of long-term borrowings

   (751)  (683)

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

   —     694,395 

Cash dividends paid

   (208,044)  (176,766)   (312,903)  (265,587)

Proceeds from stock options exercised

   17,712   36,737    22,566   44,389 

Reissuance of treasury stock

   2,873   3,810    4,644   3,598 

Purchase of treasury stock

   (43,236)  (286,758)   (43,859)  (370,103)

Subscriptions received from non-controlling interest holders, net of distributions

   (9,874)  192,864    12,900   204,734 

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

   46,750   61,348    59,019   69,390 

Net proceeds/(repayments) of borrowings by consolidated sponsored investment funds

   (202,393)  261,616    (206,334)  180,383 

Other financing activities

   —     (1,183)   —     (5,330)
              

Cash flows from financing activities

   (396,963)  451,668    (564,718)  1,005,186 
              

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   6,068   18,574    (82,738)  43,100 
              

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   (228,678)  195,946 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   137,093   1,160,275 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   1,656,200   1,160,304    1,656,200   1,160,304 
              

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $1,427,522  $1,356,250   $1,793,293  $2,320,579 
              

Supplemental cash flow information:

      

Cash paid for interest

  $32,537  $13,684   $60,834  $22,910 

Cash paid for income taxes

  $294,575  $102,758   $431,549  $257,410 

Supplemental non-cash flow information:

      

Issuance of treasury stock

  $109,481  $81,390   $128,180  $102,735 

Decrease in investments due to net deconsolidations of sponsored investment funds

  $5,935  $181,953 

Decrease in non-controlling interests due to net deconsolidations of sponsored investment funds

  $5,935  $167,016 

Common stock released from escrow agent in connection with Quellos Transaction

  $44,133  $—   

Increase (decrease) in investments due to net consolidations of sponsored investment funds

  $317,900  $(183,442)

Increase (decrease) in non-controlling interests due to net consolidations of sponsored investment funds

  $318,392  $(210,252)

PNC LTIP capital contributions

  $5,090  $174,932   $5,090  $174,932 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 5 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

BlackRock, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“BlackRock” or the “Company”) provide diversified investment management services to institutional clients and individual investors through various investment vehicles. Investment management services primarily consist of the active management of fixed income, cash management and equity client accounts, the management of open-end and closed-end fund families and other non-U.S. equivalent retail products serving the institutional and retail markets, and the management of alternative funds developed to serve various customer needs. In addition, BlackRock provides market risk management, financial markets advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of clients. Financial markets advisory services include valuation of illiquid securities, dispositions and workouts, risk management and strategic planning and execution.

In October 2007, BlackRock acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the fund of funds business of Quellos Group, LLC (“Quellos”), referred to as the “Quellos Transaction” and in September 2006, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“Merrill Lynch”) contributed the entities and assets that constituted its investment management business (the “MLIM Business”) to BlackRock viathrough a capital contribution, referred to as the “MLIM Transaction.”

 

1.Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. Non-controlling interests include the portion of consolidated sponsored investment funds in which the Company does not have a direct equity ownership. All significant accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain financial information that normally is included in annual financial statements, including certain financial statement footnotes, is not required for interim reporting purposes and has been condensed or omitted herein. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes related thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 28, 2008.

The interim financial information at JuneSeptember 30, 2008, and for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and 2007, is unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the interim information includes all normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s results for the periods presented. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. Certain amounts in the Company’s prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

- 6 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Basis of Presentation(continued)

 

Fair Value Measurements

BlackRock adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157,Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”) as of January 1, 2008, which requires, among other things, enhanced disclosures about investments that are measured and reported at fair value. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value and requires companies to disclose the fair value of their financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy (i.e., levelslevel 1, 2, and 3 inputs, as defined). The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Additionally, companies are required to provide enhanced disclosure regarding instruments in the level 3 category (which have inputs to the valuation techniques that are unobservable and require significant management judgment), including a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances separately for each major category of assets and liabilities.

Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:

Level 1 Inputs - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the reporting date. Level 1 assets include listed mutual funds, equities and certain debt securities.

Level 2 Inputs - Other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quotedInputs—Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities that are not active; and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, such as models or other valuation methodologies. InvestmentsAssets which generally are included in this category may include short-term floating rate notes and asset-backed securities held by a consolidated sponsored cash management fund, securities held within consolidated hedge funds, certain limited partnership interests in hedge funds in which the valuationvaluations for substantially all of the investments within the fund isare based upon Level 1 or Level 2 inputs, as well as restricted public securities valued at a discount.

Level 3 Inputs - Unobservable inputs for the valuation of the asset or liability. Level 3 assets include investments for which there is little, if any, market activity. These inputs require significant management judgment or estimation. InvestmentsAssets included in this category generally include general and limited partnership interests in private equity funds, funds of private equity funds, real estate funds, hedge funds, and funds of hedge funds.

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.

- 7 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Basis of Presentation (continued)

Assets and Liabilities to be Disposed of by Sale

In the course of the business of establishing real estate and private equity sponsored investment funds, the Company may purchase land, properties and third party private equity funds while incurring liabilities directly associated with the assets, together a disposal group, with the intention to sell the disposal group to sponsored investment funds upon their launch. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144,Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets, the Company treats these assets and liabilities as a “disposal group”, measured at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value. Losses are recognized for any initial or subsequent write-down to fair value and gains are recognized for any subsequent increase in fair value, but not in excess of the cumulative loss previously recognized.

- 7 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Basis of Presentation (continued)

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company held disposal group assets of $129,598$70,132 and related liabilities of $71,150$56,153 in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, on its condensed consolidated statementsstatement of financial condition. Disposal group liabilities include approximately $56,900$52,200 of borrowings directly associated with the disposal group assets. During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company recorded losses of $3,276$4,671 and $7,947, respectively, within non-operating income (expense) on its condensed consolidated statementsstatement of income related to the disposal group.

Consolidation of Enhanced Cash Fund

In the normal course of business, the Company is the manager of various types of investment vehicles, including private investment funds, that may be considered variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46(R) (“FIN 46R”).

Pursuant to FIN 46R, at September 30, 2008, the Company applied an expected loss model to certain VIEs and determined that it is the primary beneficiary of one enhanced cash fund, resulting in the consolidation of the fund on its condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. At September 30, 2008 the Company had approximately $412,000 of investments and approximately $326,000 of non-controlling interests on its condensed consolidated statement of financial condition related to the consolidation.

Recent Accounting Developments

Fair Value Measurements

In February 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 157-1,Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13(“FSP FAS 157-1”) and FSP FAS 157-2,Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157. (“FSP FAS 157-2”). FSP FAS 157-1 amends SFAS No. 157 to exclude from its scope transactions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 13,Accounting for Leases, and its related interpretive accounting pronouncements. FSP FAS 157-2 delays the effective date of the application of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for all non-financial assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a non-recurring basis. Non-recurring non-financial assets and liabilities include goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets each measured at fair value for purposes of impairment testing; asset retirement and guarantee obligations initially measured at fair value; and those assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination or asset purchase.

The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008, with the exception of the application of FSP FAS 157-2 related to non-recurring non-financial assets and liabilities. The partial adoption of SFAS No. 157 had no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company does not expect that the adoption of the provisions of FSP FAS 157-2 for non-recurring non-financial assets and liabilities will have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-3,Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active(“FSP FAS 157-3”), which became effective upon issuance, including periods for which financial statements have not been issued. FSP FAS 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS No. 157, which the Company adopted as of January 1, 2008, in a market that is not active. The impact to the Company of adopting FSP FAS 157-3 in its determination of fair values as of September 30, 2008 did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 8 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Recent Accounting Developments (continued)

 

Fair Value Option

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities(“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure eligible financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected should be reported in earnings. The decision to elect the fair value option is determined on an instrument by instrument basis, must be applied to an entire instrument and it is irrevocable once elected. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value pursuant to SFAS No. 159 wouldshould be reported separately in the statement of financial condition from those instruments measured using another accounting method. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008, however, elected not to apply the fair value option to any of its eligible financial assets or liabilities at that date. Therefore, the adoption of SFAS No. 159 had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company may elect the fair value option for any future eligible financial assets or liabilities upon their initial recognition.

Non-Controlling Interests

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160,Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51. (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary and clarifies that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity, separate from the parent’s equity, in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. SFAS No. 160 requires retrospective adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing non-controlling interests. All other requirements of SFAS No. 160 shall be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of SFAS No. 160 on its consolidated financial statements.

- 9 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recent Accounting Developments(continued)

Business Combinations

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised),Business Combinations(“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) replaces SFAS No. 141,Business Combinations, while retaining the fundamental requirements of SFAS No. 141 that the acquisition method of accounting (the purchase method) be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) further defines the acquirer, establishes the acquisition date and broadens the scope of transactions that qualify as business combinations. Additionally, SFAS No. 141(R) changes the fair value measurement provisions for assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, provides guidance for the measurement of fair value in a step acquisition, changes the requirements for recognizing assets acquired and liabilities assumed subject to contingencies, provides guidance on recognition and measurement of contingent consideration and requires that acquisition-related costs of the acquirer generally be expensed as incurred. In addition, if liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to tax positions assumed in a business combination are settled prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R), the reversal of any remaining liability will affect goodwill. If such liabilities reverse subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R), such reversals will affect the income tax provision in the period of reversal. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company currently is evaluating the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) on its consolidated financial statements and on potential future business combinations.

- 9 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recent Accounting Developments (continued)

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of SFAS No. 133 (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 expands the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 161 specifically requires enhanced disclosures addressing: a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“(“SFAS No. 133”), and its related interpretations and c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 161 is not expected to materially impact BlackRock’s consolidated financial statements.

Useful Life of Intangible Assets

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3,Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS No. 142”). FSP FAS 142-3 is intended to improve the consistency between the useful life of an intangible asset determined under SFAS No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS No. 141(R) and other GAAP. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption ofadopting FSP FAS 142-3 on its consolidated financial statements.

- 10 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recent Accounting Developments(continued)

Convertible Debt Instruments

In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP APB 14-1,Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement) (“FSP APB 14-1”). FSP APB 14-1 specifies that for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion, issuers of such instruments should separately account for the liability and equity components in the statement of financial condition. The excess of the initial proceeds of the convertible debt instrument over the amount allocated to the liability component creates a debt discount which should be amortized as interest expense over the expected life of the liability. FSP APB 14-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008 and is to be applied retrospectively. At JuneSeptember 30, 2008 the Company had $249,997 principal amount of convertible debentures outstanding, which were issued in February 2005, bear interest at a rate of 2.625%, and are due in 2035. The debentures will become convertible at the option of the holder on February 15, 2009 or earlier upon certain conditions. They are also redeemable by the Company beginning February 20, 2010. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption ofadopting FSP APB 14-1 on its consolidated financial statements.

- 10 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recent Accounting Developments (continued)

Earnings Per Share

In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF 03-6-1,Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities(“FSP EITF 03-6-1”). FSP EITF 03-6-1 specifies that all outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents are considered participating securities and shallshould be included in the computation of earnings per share (“EPS”) pursuant to the two-class method. FSP EITF 03-6-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. All prior period EPS data presented shallshould be adjusted retrospectively. The Company has awarded restricted stock and restricted stock units with nonforfeitable dividend equivalent rights and is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption ofadopting FSP EITF 03-6-1 on the Company’s EPS.

Disclosures about Credit Derivatives

In September 2008, the FASB issued FSP 133-1 and FIN 45-4,Disclosures about Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133and FASB Interpretation No. 45; and Clarification of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 161 (“FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4”), FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 amends SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to require disclosures by sellers of credit derivatives, including credit derivatives embedded in hybrid instruments. FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 also amend FASB Interpretation No. 45 (“FIN 45”),Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees,Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, to require additional disclosure about the current status of the payment/performance risk of a guarantee. The provisions of the FSP that amend SFAS 133 and FIN 45 are effective for reporting periods ending after November 15, 2008. FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 also clarifies the effective date in SFAS No. 161. FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 only require additional disclosures, and therefore the adoption will not materially impact BlackRock’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 11 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

2.Investments

A summary of the carrying value of investments is as follows:

 

  Carrying Value  Carrying Value
  June 30,
2008
  December 31,
2007
September 30,
2008
  December 31,
2007

Available-for-sale investments

  $244,354  $263,795  $552,335  $263,795

Trading investments

   167,350   395,006   150,660   395,006

Other investments:

        

Consolidated sponsored investment funds

   730,042   760,378   696,765   760,378

Equity method

   776,462   554,016   687,066   516,749

Deferred compensation plan investments

   23,218   22,710   58,823   59,977

Cost method

   99   4,039   95   4,039
            

Total other investments

   1,529,821   1,341,143   1,442,749   1,341,143
            

Total investments

  $1,941,525  $1,999,944  $2,145,744  $1,999,944
            

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company had $792,219$1,171,413 of investments held by consolidated sponsored investment funds of which $62,177$412,004, $62,644 and $730,042$696,765 were classified as available-for-sale, trading investments and other investments, respectively.

A summary of the cost and carrying value of investments classified as available-for-sale is as follows:

 

     Gross Unrealized Carrying

June 30, 2008

  Cost  Gains  Losses Value

September 30, 2008

  Cost  Gross Unrealized Carrying
Value
  Gains  Losses 

Total available-for-sale investments:

              

Sponsored investment funds

  $229,894  $3,459  $(2,893) $230,460  $135,727  $1,041  $(8,188) $128,580

Collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”)

   7,913   143   —     8,056   7,842   40   (1,046)  6,836

Other debt securities

   4,365   —     (1,256)  3,109   3,623   —     (1,265)  2,358

Investments held by consolidated sponsored cash management fund

   412,004   —     —     412,004

Other

   2,815   —     (86)  2,729   2,642   —    $(85)  2,557
                        

Total available-for-sale investments

  $244,987  $3,602  $(4,235) $244,354  $561,838  $1,081  $(10,584) $552,335
                        

December 31, 2007

                      

Total available-for-sale investments:

              

Sponsored investment funds

  $245,677  $5,894  $(1,217) $250,354  $245,677  $5,894  $(1,217) $250,354

Collateralized debt obligations

   10,458   53   —     10,511   10,458   53   —     10,511

Other

   2,815   115   —     2,930   2,815   115   —     2,930
                        

Total available-for-sale investments

  $258,950  $6,062  $(1,217) $263,795  $258,950  $6,062  $(1,217) $263,795
                        

 

- 12 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

2.Investments (continued)

 

During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairments of $4,853 and $1,831,$3,228, respectively, related to other debt securities and CDO available-for-sale investments.

The Company has reviewed the gross unrealized losses of $4,235$10,584 at JuneSeptember 30, 2008 related to available-for-sale investments, of which $291$820 had been in a loss position for greater than twelve months, and determined that these losses were not other-than-temporary primarily because the Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities for a period of time sufficient to recoverallow for recovery of such unrealized losses. As a result, the Company recorded no additional impairments on such securities.

A summary of the cost and carrying value of trading and other investments is as follows:

 

  June 30, 2008  December 31, 2007  September 30, 2008  December 31, 2007
  Cost  Carrying
Value
  Cost  Carrying
Value
Cost  Carrying
Value
  Cost  Carrying
Value

Trading investments:

                

Deferred compensation plan mutual fund investments

  $37,324  $44,399  $40,394  $44,680  $31,813  $35,133  $40,394  $44,680

Equity securities

   96,182   102,596   103,058   116,742   107,510   96,656   103,058   116,742

Municipal debt securities

   10,302   10,266   239,398   233,584

Foreign government debt securities

   8,311   7,945   —     —  

Corporate debt securities

   1,285   1,250   —     —  

U.S. government debt securities

   898   894   —     —  

Debt securities:

        

Municipal debt

   10,544   9,906   239,398   233,584

Foreign government debt

   8,981   7,473   —     —  

Corporate debt

   568   534   —     —  

U.S. government debt

   958   958   —     —  
                        

Total trading investments

  $154,302  $167,350  $382,850  $395,006  $160,374  $150,660  $382,850  $395,006
                        

Other investments:

                

Consolidated sponsored investment funds

  $645,583  $730,042  $721,300  $760,378  $645,627  $696,765  $721,300  $760,378

Equity method

   694,291   776,462   463,497   554,016   717,310   687,066   445,924   516,749

Deferred compensation plan hedge fund investments

   23,629   23,218   14,086   22,710   52,463   58,823   31,659   59,977

Cost method

   99   99   4,039   4,039   95   95   4,039   4,039
                        

Total other investments

  $1,363,602  $1,529,821  $1,202,922  $1,341,143  $1,415,495  $1,442,749  $1,202,922  $1,341,143
                        

 

- 13 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

2.Investments (continued)

 

Trading investments include deferred compensation plan mutual fund investments, equity and debt securities within certain consolidated sponsored investment funds and equity and debt securities held in separate accounts for the purpose of establishing an investment history in various investment strategies before being marketed to investors.

The carrying value of debt securities, classified as available-for-sale and trading investments, by contractual maturity at JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 is as follows:

 

  Carrying Value

Maturity date

  June 30,
2008
  December 31,
2007
  Carrying Value

Maturity date

September 30,
2008
  December 31,
2007
  $1,762  $—    $413,730  $—  

1-5 years

   1,470   9,567

5-10 years

   3,955   28,677

After 10 years

   16,277   195,340

>1-5 years

   1,248   9,567

>5-10 years

   3,434   28,677

>10 years

   14,821   195,340
            

Total

  $23,464  $233,584  $433,233  $233,584
            

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the debt securities in the table above primarily consisted of floating rate notes and asset backed securities held by a consolidated sponsored cash management fund and municipal, corporate, U.S. and foreign government debt securities held by severalother sponsored investment fundsproducts that are consolidated in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

The Company consolidates certain sponsored investment funds primarily because it is deemed to control such investments in accordance with GAAP. The investments owned by these consolidated sponsored investment funds are classified as other, available-for-sale, or trading investments. At JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the following balances related to these funds were consolidated in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition:

 

  June 30,
2008
 December 31,
2007
   September 30,
2008
 December 31,
2007
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $56,317  $66,971   $52,649  $66,971 

Investments

   792,219   1,054,208    1,171,413   1,054,208 

Other net liabilities

   (7,326)  (218,337)

Other net assets (liabilities)

   3,290   (218,337)

Non-controlling interests

   (544,388)  (578,210)   (868,992)  (578,210)
              

Total exposure to consolidated investment funds

  $296,822  $324,632 

Total net interests in consolidated investment funds

  $358,360  $324,632 
              

 

- 14 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

2.Investments (continued)

 

BlackRock’s total exposure to consolidated sponsored investment funds of $296,822$358,360 and $324,632 at JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, represents the fair value of the Company’s economic ownership interest in these sponsored investment funds. Valuation changes associated with these consolidated investment funds are reflected in non-operating income and non-controlling interests. Approximately $7,336$3,395 and $209,729 of borrowings by consolidated sponsored investment funds at JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, isare included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

The Company may not be readily able to access cash and cash equivalents held by consolidated sponsored investment funds to use in its operating activities. In addition, the Company may not be readily able to sell investments held by consolidated sponsored investment funds in order to obtain cash for use in its operations.

 

3.Fair Value Disclosures

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at JuneSeptember 30, 2008 were as follows:

 

  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
  Other
Investments
Not Held at
Fair Value (1)
  Investments at
June 30, 2008
  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
  Other Assets
Not Held at
Fair Value (1)
  September 30,
2008

Assets:

          

Investments:

                    

Available-for-sale

  $144,695  $97,994  $1,665  $   $244,354  $130,801  $419,920  $1,614  $—    $552,335

Trading

   167,350   —     —     —     167,350   140,754   9,906   —     —     150,660

Other investments:

                    

Consolidated sponsored investment funds

   —     49,654   680,388   —     730,042   —     45,524   651,241   —     696,765

Equity method

   —     56,946   681,151   38,365   776,462   —     —     649,436   37,630   687,066

Deferred compensation plan investments

   —     —     23,218   —     23,218

Deferred compensation plan hedge fund investments

   —     33,883   24,940   —     58,823

Cost method

   —     —     —     99   99   —     —     —     95   95
                              

Total investments

  $312,045  $204,594  $1,386,422  $38,464  $1,941,525   271,555   509,233   1,327,231   37,725   2,145,744

Separate account assets

   3,322,988   98,134   4,996   106,330   3,532,448

Other assets(2)

   —     14,101   70,132   —     84,233
                              

Total assets measured at fair value

  $3,594,543  $621,468  $1,402,359  $144,055  $5,762,425
               

 

(1)

Includes investments in equity method investees and other assets which in accordance with GAAP are not accounted for under a fair value measure in accordance with GAAP as well as investments held at cost.measure.

(2)

Includes disposal group assets and company-owned and split-dollar life insurance policies.

 

- 15 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

3.Fair Value Disclosures (continued)

 

TheA wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company has $4,026,713 ofis a registered life insurance company that maintains separate account assets, representing segregated funds held for purposes of funding individual and group pension contracts, and equal and offsetting separate account liabilities of which approximately $60,000 is not held at fair value. Excluding approximately $60,000 not subject to SFAS No. 157, approximately 97%, 3%liabilities. At September 30, 2008 and less than 1% ofDecember 31, 2007, the Level 3 separate account assets were approximately $5,000 and liabilities are classified as Level 1, Level 2 and$12,000, respectively. The change in Level 3 respectively.assets primarily relate to purchases, sales and gains/(losses). The net investment income and net gains and losses attributable to separate account assets accrue directly to the contract owner and are not reported as revenuenon-operating income (expense) on the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Level 3 investments,assets, such as investments in real estate funds, hedge funds, funds of hedge funds, private equity funds and funds of private equity funds are valued based upon valuations received from internal as well as third party fund managers. Direct investments in private equity companies held by funds of private equity funds are valued based on an assessment of each underlying investment, incorporating evaluation of additional significant third party financing, changes in valuations of comparable peer companies and the business environment of the companies, among other factors.

Changes in Level 3 InvestmentsAssets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three and Six Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008

 

  Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2008
 Six Months
Ended

June 30,
2008
   Investments Other Assets 

Beginning of period

  $1,288,580  $1,239,519 

June 30, 2008

  $1,386,422  $129,598 

Realized and unrealized gains / (losses), net

   (7,794)  (500)   (89,446)  (8,666)

Purchases, sales, other settlements and issuances, net

   137,269   179,036    30,255   (50,800)

Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3

   (31,633)  (31,633)   —     —   
              

June 30, 2008

  $1,386,422  $1,386,422 

September 30, 2008

  $1,327,231  $70,132 
              

Total net (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or (losses) relating to investments still held at the reporting date

  $(12,761) $(18,859)

Total net (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or (losses) relating to assets still held at the reporting date

  $(60,707) $(9,666)

Changes in Level 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

   Investments  Other Assets 

December 31, 2007

  $1,239,519  $—   

Realized and unrealized gains / (losses), net

   (89,946)  (16,266)

Purchases, sales, other settlements and issuances, net

   209,291   7,919 

Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3

   (31,633)  78,479 
         

September 30, 2008

  $1,327,231  $70,132 
         

Total net (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or (losses) relating to assets still held at the reporting date

  $(79,566) $(17,266)

Realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded for Level 3 investmentsassets are reported in non-operating income (expense) on the condensed consolidated statements of income. Non-controlling interest expense is recorded for certain consolidated investments to reflect the portion of gains and losses not attributable to the Company.

 

- 16 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

4.Derivatives and Hedging

For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company did not hold any derivatives designated in a formal hedge relationship under SFAS No. 133, as amended.

During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company was a counterparty to multiple third parties for a series of total return swaps to economically hedge against changes in fair value of certain seed investments in sponsored investment products. At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the outstanding total return swaps had an aggregate notional value of approximately $73,628$62,907 and net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) of approximately $11,521$19,169 and ($3,670)3,880) for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which were included in non-operating income (expense) on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income.

In December 2007, BlackRock entered into capital support agreements, up to $100,000, with two enhanced cash funds. These capital support agreements are backed by letters of credit (“LOCs”) issued under BlackRock’s revolving credit facility (seefacility. See Note 7, Borrowings, for further discussion).discussion. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company provided approximately $1,000 of capital contributions to these two funds under the capital support agreements. BlackRock determined that the capital support agreements qualified as derivatives under SFAS No. 133. At JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the derivative liabilities for the fair value of the capital support agreements for the two funds totaled approximately $9,100$11,600 and $12,000, respectively, which are recorded in other liabilities and non-controlling interests, due to consolidation at September 30, 2008 of one of the enhanced cash funds, on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The amount of these liabilities will increase or decrease as BlackRock’s obligations under the capital support agreements fluctuate based on the fair value of the derivatives.

 

5.Goodwill

Goodwill at JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and changes during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 were as follows:

 

December 31, 2007

  $5,519,714   $5,519,714 

Goodwill adjustments related to:

    

Quellos

   18,297    24,362 

Other

   (2,837)   (83)
        

Total goodwill adjustments

   15,460    24,279 
        

June 30, 2008

  $5,535,174 

September 30, 2008

  $5,543,993 
        

- 17 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

5.Goodwill (continued)

During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, goodwill of the Company increased by $15,460.$24,279. Approximately $44,100$55,200 was recorded as additional goodwill due to the release of 280,519 common shares to Quellos, which were held in escrow in accordance with the Quellos asset purchase agreement.agreement and additional future purchase price consideration due to achieving certain revenue measures. This increase was partially offset by a decline in goodwill of approximately $15,900$15,700 as a result of the Company’s review of the Quellos purchase price allocation in the three months ended March 31, 2008 and a decrease of approximately $10,200$15,100 related to tax benefits realized from tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill. At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the balance of the Quellos tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill was approximately $427,500.$420,000. Goodwill will continue to be reduced in future periods by the amount of tax benefits realized from tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill.

- 17 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)In August 2008, the Company acquired Impact Investing, an Australia based software development company specializing in equity portfolio management and analytical software tools. The total consideration to be paid is not expected to be material to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

6.Intangible Assets

The carrying amounts of identifiable intangible assets are summarized as follows:

 

  Indefinite-lived
intangible assets
  Finite-lived
intangible assets
 Total   Indefinite-lived
intangible assets
  Finite-lived
intangible assets
 Total 

December 31, 2007

  $5,351,132  $1,201,990  $6,553,122   $5,351,132  $1,201,990  $6,553,122 

Purchase price adjustments

   27,000   106   27,106    27,000   —     27,000 

Intangible assets acquired

   —     6,207   6,207 

Other

   —     142   142 

Amortization expense

   —     (73,141)  (73,141)   —     (109,698)  (109,698)
                    

June 30, 2008

  $5,378,132  $1,128,955  $6,507,087 

September 30, 2008

  $5,378,132  $1,098,641  $6,476,773 
                    

The purchase price adjustments to intangible assets during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 primarily related to the Company’s review of its purchase price allocation in the three months ended March 31, 2008 related to the net assets acquired from Quellos. The Company acquired $6,207 of finite-lived intangibles assets in connection with the acquisition of Impact Investing during the three months ended September 30, 2008.

 

7.Borrowings

Short-Term Borrowings

In August 2007, the Company entered into a five-year $2,500,000 unsecured revolving credit facility the (the “2007 Facility”), which permits the Company to request an additional $500,000 of borrowing capacity, subject to lender credit approval, up to a maximum of $3,000,000. The 2007 Facility requires the Company not to exceed a maximum leverage ratio (ratio of net debt to EBITDA,earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, where net debt equals total debt less domestic unrestricted cash) of 3 to 1, which was satisfied at JuneSeptember 30, 2008.

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company had $300,000$200,000 outstanding under the 2007 Facility with an interest rates between 2.655% to 5.105%rate of 3.885% and maturity dates between July 2008 and Septemberdate during October 2008. During JulyOctober 2008, the Company repaid $100,000rolled over the $200,000 in borrowings with an interest rate of 3.37% and a maturity date during November 2008.

Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. has a $140,000 participation under the balance outstanding.2007 Facility; however BlackRock does not expect that Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. will honor its commitment to fund additional amounts.

- 18 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

7.Borrowings (continued)

Short-Term Borrowings (continued)

In addition, in December 2007, in order to support two enhanced cash funds that BlackRock manages, BlackRock elected to procure two LOCsletters of credit under the 2007 Facility totaling in aggregate $100,000.

In June 2008, BlackRock Japan Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a five billion Japanese yen commitment-line agreement with a banking institution (the “Japan Commitment-line”). The term of the Japan Commitment-line is one year and interest will accrue at the applicable Japanese short-term prime rate. The Japan Commitment-line is intended to provide liquidity flexibility for operating requirements in Japan. At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company had no borrowings outstanding on the Japan Commitment-line.

Long-Term Borrowings

The accreted amount of long-term borrowings included the following:

   September 30,
2008
  December 31,
2007

6.25% Senior notes due in 2017

  $694,960  $694,537

2.625% Convertible debentures due in 2035

   249,997   249,997

Other

   1,736   2,487
        

Total long-term borrowings

  $946,693  $947,021
        

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the estimated fair value of the Company’s $249,997 aggregate principal amount ofsenior notes and convertible debentures was $447,225.$589,729 and $507,648, respectively. The fair value was estimated using a market price as offor the end of June 2008.

At June 30, 2008, the carrying valuesenior notes and the estimated fair value of the Company’s $700,000 long-term notes was $694,819 and $695,926, respectively. The fair valueconvertible debentures was estimated using an applicable bond index as ofand market prices at the end of JuneSeptember 2008, respectively.

On October 16, 2008, the Company’s 2.625% Convertible Debentures due 2035 (the “debentures”) became convertible at the option of the holders into cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, after the trustee determined that the trading price for the debentures on each day of a five consecutive trading day period was less than 103% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock on such date and the conversion rate on such date. The debentures continued to be convertible for each subsequent five business day period after any period during which the trading price condition continued to be met. The conversion period ended on October 30, 2008 after the debentures failed to satisfy the trading price condition on October 24, 2008.

- 18 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued) During the conversion period holders of $500 of debentures elected to convert their holdings into cash and shares. In addition, on and after February 15, 2009, the debentures may be convertible into cash and shares at any time prior to maturity at the option of the holder.

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

8.Related Party TransactionTransactions

On February 29, 2008, the Company committed to provide financing, if needed, of up to $60,000 to Anthracite Capital, Inc. (“Anthracite”), a specialty commercial real estate finance company that is managed by a subsidiary of BlackRock. FinancingThe financing is collateralized by Anthracite pledging its ownership interest in an investment fund which is also managed by a subsidiary of BlackRock. Borrowings of $52,500, which were outstanding at March 31, 2008, were repaid in April 2008. Subsequent to JuneAt September 30, 2008, Anthracite borrowed $30,000 of financing was outstanding at an interest rate of 5.295%. which was included in due from related parties on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

In July 2008, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Stockholder Agreement (“Stockholder Agreement”) and an Amended and Restated Global Distribution Agreement (“Global Distribution Agreement”) with Merrill Lynch.

- 19 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

8.Related Party Transactions (continued)

The changes to the Stockholder Agreement, among other items, (i) provide Merrill Lynch with additional flexibility to form or acquire asset managers substantially all of the business of which is devoted to non-traditional investment management strategies such as short selling, leverage, arbitrage, specialty finance and quantitatively-driven structured trades; (ii) expand the definition of change in control of Merrill Lynch to include the disposition of two-thirds or more of its Global Private Client business; (iii) extend the general termination date to the later of July 16, 2013 or the date Merrill Lynch’s beneficial ownership of BlackRock voting securities falls below 20%; and (iv) clarify certain other provisions in the agreement.

The changes in the Global Distribution Agreement in relation to the prior agreement, among other things, (i) provide for an extension to September 29, 2013, a 5-year extension after the date of a change in control of Merrill Lynch (see below for more information) and one automatic 3-year extension if certain conditions are satisfied; (ii) strengthen the obligations of Merrill Lynch to achieve revenue neutrality across the range of BlackRock products distributed by Merrill Lynch if the pricing or structure of particular products is required to be changed; (iii) obligate Merrill Lynch to seek to obtain distribution arrangements for BlackRock products from buyers of any portion of its distribution business on the same terms as the Global Distribution Agreement for a period of at least 3 years; and (iv) restrict the manner in which products managed by alternative asset managers in which Merrill Lynch has an interest may be distributed by Merrill Lynch.

On September 15, 2008, Merrill Lynch and Bank of America Corporation (“Bank of America”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”). The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America will merge (the “Merger”) with and into Merrill Lynch, with Merrill Lynch continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America. The Merger has been approved by the board of directors of each of Merrill Lynch and Bank of America and they have indicated that it is expected to close on, or about December 31, 2008, subject to shareholder approval, customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The term of BlackRock’s Global Distribution Agreement with Merrill Lynch will automatically be extended for an additional five years from the date the Merger closes. The Stockholder Agreement, which will remain in place after the Merger, provides that Bank of America will have thirty days from the closing of the Merger to elect to either sell common shares of BlackRock over time to reduce its voting ownership down to 24.9%, or exchange 100% of the common shares held by Merrill Lynch for non-voting participating preferred securities that are economically equivalent to BlackRock’s common shares and automatically become common shares upon transfer to unaffiliated persons in accordance with the terms of the Stockholder Agreement. Any sales by Bank of America would be subject to the transfer restrictions contained in the Stockholder Agreement, which include the requirement that transfers generally not result in the beneficial ownership, by any person, of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding voting securities. BlackRock would also have a right of last refusal over private sales.

9.Commitments, Contingencies and ContingenciesGuarantees

Commitments

Investment / Loan Commitments

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company had approximately $692,275$377,998 of certain investment and loan commitments relating primarily to real estate funds, hedge funds, funds of private equity funds and a warehouse entity established for certain private equity funds of funds. Amounts to be funded generally are callable at any point prior to the expiration of the commitment.

- 20 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

9.Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees (continued)

Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, BlackRock has receivedreceives subpoenas or other requests for information from various U.S. federal, and state governmental and regulatory authorities and various information requests from the SEC in connection with certain industry-wide or other investigations of U.S. mutual fund matters. BlackRockor proceedings. It is continuingBlackRock’s policy to fully cooperate fully in these matters. From time to time, BlackRock is subject to other regulatory inquiries and proceedings.

with such inquiries. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in various legal actions, including arbitrations class actions, and other litigation and regulatory proceedings arising in connection with BlackRock’s activities. While Merrill Lynch has agreed to indemnify the Company for certain of the pre-closing liabilities related to legal and regulatory proceedings acquired in the MLIM Transaction, entities that BlackRock now owns may be named as defendants in these matters and the Company’s reputation may be negatively impacted. Additionally, certain of the investment funds that the Company manages are subject to lawsuits, any of which could potentially harm the investment returns of the applicable fund or result in the Company being liable to the funds for any resulting damages.

Management, after consultation with legal counsel, currently does not anticipate that the aggregate liability, if any, arising out of regulatory matters or lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on BlackRock’s earnings, financial position, or cash flows although, at the present time, management is not in a position to determine whether any such pending or threatened matters will have a material adverse effect on BlackRock’s results of operations in any future reporting period.

- 19 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

9.Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Contingencies (continued)

Indemnifications

In the ordinary course of business, BlackRock enters into contracts pursuant to which it may agree to indemnify third parties in certain circumstances. The terms of these indemnities vary from contract to contract and the amount of indemnification liability, if any, cannot be determined.

Under the Transaction Agreement in the MLIM Transaction, the Company has agreed to indemnify Merrill Lynch for losses it may incur arising from (1) any alleged or actual breach, failure to comply, violation or other deficiency with respect to any regulatory or fiduciary requirements relating to the operation of BlackRock’s business, (2) any fees or expenses incurred or owed by BlackRock to any brokers, financial advisors or comparable other personpersons retained or employed by BlackRock in connection with the MLIM Transaction, and (3) certain specified tax covenants.

Management believes that the likelihood of any liability arising under these indemnification provisions is remote. Management cannot estimate any potential maximum exposure due both to the remoteness of any potential claims and the fact that items that would be included within any such calculated claim would be beyond the control of BlackRock. Consequently, no liability has been recorded on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

Contingent Payments Related to Quellos Transaction

Quellos may be entitled to receive two contingent payments upon achieving certain investment advisory revenue measures through December 31, 2010. The first contingent payment, of up to $374,000, is payable in 2009 up to 25% in BlackRock common stock and the remainder in cash. The second contingent payment, of up to $595,000 is payable in cash in 2011.

Guarantees

On September 29, 2008, BlackRock entered into a series of guarantees, which expired in October 2008, with a derivative counterparty to three of BlackRock’s alternative investment funds. Under the guarantees, BlackRock agreed to make such payment to the derivative counterparty to the extent that a payment is due and the fund is unable to make a payment according to the terms of the derivative contract. Due to the short tenor of these guarantees and the value of the assets held by the funds, BlackRock determined that the probability of incurring a loss under the guarantees was remote and the fair value of its liability was not material. No liability was incurred upon or prior to the expiration of the guarantees.

 

- 2021 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

10.Stock-Based Compensation

The components of the Company’s stock-based compensation expense are comprised of the following:

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
   2008  2007  2008  2007

Stock-based compensation:

        

Restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”)

  $47,780  $32,463  $98,927  $59,565

Stock options

   839   3,533   4,372   5,889

Long-term incentive plans (funded by PNC1)

   14,751   13,933   29,772   25,976
                

Total stock-based compensation

  $63,370  $49,929  $133,071  $91,430
                

1

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2008  2007  2008  2007

Stock-based compensation:

        

Restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”)

  $53,388  $33,371  $152,315  $92,936

Stock options

   3,057   4,105   7,429   9,994

Long-term incentive plans (funded by PNC1)

   14,655   13,613   44,427   39,589
                

Total stock-based compensation

  $71,100  $51,089  $204,171  $142,519
                

 

1        The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

Stock Options

Options outstanding at JuneSeptember 30, 2008, and changes during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, were as follows:

 

Outstanding at

  Shares
Under
Option
 Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Shares
Under
Option
 Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

December 31, 2007

  4,101,165  $86.19  4,101,165  $86.19

Exercised

  (474,798) $37.30  (620,363) $36.38

Forfeited

  (298,635) $169.07  (298,635) $169.07
          

June 30, 2008

  3,327,732  $85.73

September 30, 2008

  3,182,167  $88.13
          

The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 was $82,543.

- 21 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

10.Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Stock Options (continued)

$109,347.

The three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 included a cumulative adjustment, recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2008, to the estimated forfeiture rate for unvested stock options as a result of additional data on actual forfeiture activity.

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company had $39,752$35,366 in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 3.33.0 years.

- 22 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

10.Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Restricted Stock and RSUs

Restricted stock and RSUs outstanding at JuneSeptember 30, 2008, and changes during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, were as follows:

 

Outstanding at

  Unvested
Restricted
Stock and
RSUs
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
  Unvested
Restricted
Stock and
RSUs
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

December 31, 2007

  3,709,008  $158.01  3,709,008  $158.01

Granted

  1,551,502  $202.48  1,591,881  $202.84

Converted

  (433,055) $149.05  (444,298) $148.98

Forfeited

  (183,239) $160.03  (223,973) $163.43
          

June 30, 2008

  4,644,216  $173.62

September 30, 2008

  4,632,618  $174.02
          

The Company values restricted stock and RSUs at their grant-date fair value as measured by BlackRock’s common stock price.

In January 2008, the Company granted 295,633 RSUs as long-term incentive compensation, which will be partially funded by shares currently held by PNC (seeLong-Term Incentive Plans Funded by PNC below). The awards cliff vest five years from the date of grant.

In January 2008, the Company granted 1,212,759 RSUs to employees as part of annual incentive compensation under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “Award Plan”) that vest ratably over three years from the date of grant.

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, there was $565,459$478,428 in unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock and RSUs. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted average period of 2.72.6 years.

- 22 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

10.Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Long-Term Incentive Plans Funded by PNC

Under a share surrender agreement, PNC committed to provide up to 4,000,000 shares of BlackRock common stock, held by PNC, to fund certain BlackRock long-term incentive plans (“LTIP”).

- 23 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

10.Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Long-Term Incentive Plans Funded by PNC (continued)

During 2007, the Company granted additional long-term incentive awards out of the Award Plan of approximately 1,600,000 RSUs that will be settled using BlackRock shares held by PNC in accordance with the share surrender agreement. The RSU awards vest on September 29, 2011 provided that BlackRock has actual GAAP earnings per share of at least $5.20 in 2009, $5.52 in 2010 or $5.85 in 2011 or has attained an alternative performance hurdle based on the Company’s earnings per share growth rate versus certain peers over the term of the awards. The value of the RSUs was calculated using BlackRock’s closing stock price on the date of grant. The grant date fair value of the RSUs is being amortized as an expense on the straight-line method over the vesting period, net of expected forfeitures. The maximum value of awards that may be funded by PNC, prior to the earlier of September 29, 2011 or the date the performance criteria are met, is approximately $271,000, all of which has been granted as of JuneSeptember 30, 2008.

 

- 23 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

11.Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2008  2007  2008  2007 2008  2007  2008  2007

Net income

  $274,058  $222,244  $515,729  $417,632  $217,726  $255,200  $733,455  $672,832
                        

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

   129,569,325   128,544,894   129,242,591   128,676,577   129,793,939   128,161,027   129,427,715   128,501,575

Dilutive potential shares from stock options and restricted stock units

   2,725,447   2,275,810   2,702,458   2,363,035   2,875,059   2,502,798   2,738,687   2,376,400

Dilutive potential shares from convertible debt

   655,806   562,766   668,773   540,509   766,917   652,630   757,338   656,213

Dilutive potential shares from acquisition-related contingent stock payments

   576,135   —     576,135   —  

Dilutive potential shares from acquisition- related contingent stock payments

   576,904   —     576,904   —  
                        

Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding

   133,526,713   131,383,470   133,189,957   131,580,121   134,012,819   131,316,455   133,500,644   131,534,188
                        

Basic earnings per share

  $2.12  $1.73  $3.99  $3.25  $1.68  $1.99  $5.67  $5.24
                        

Diluted earnings per share

  $2.05  $1.69  $3.87  $3.17  $1.62  $1.94  $5.49  $5.12
                        

At September 30, 2008 and 2007, there were no anti-dilutive securities outstanding.

Due to the similarities in terms between BlackRock series A non-voting participating preferred stock and the Company’s common stock, the Company considers the series A non-voting participating preferred stock to be common stock for purposes of earnings per share calculations. As such, the Company has included the outstanding series A non-voting participating preferred stock in the calculation of average basic and diluted shares outstanding for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and 2007.

- 24 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

11.Earnings Per Share (continued)

Shares issued in acquisition

On October 1, 2007, the Company acquired the fund of funds business of Quellos and issued 1,191,785 shares of BlackRock common stock that were placed into an escrow account. In April 2008, 280,519 common shares were released to Quellos in accordance with the Quellos asset purchase agreement, which resulted in an adjustment to the recognized purchase price and had a dilutive effect in the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008. AdditionalThe remaining 911,266 common shares may have a dilutive effect in future periods based on the timing of the release of shares from the escrow account in accordance with the Quellos asset purchase agreement.

 

- 24 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

12.Segment Information

The Company’s management directs BlackRock’s operations as one business, the asset management business. As such, the Company believes it operates in one business segment in accordance with SFAS No. 131,Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.

The following table illustrates investment advisory and administration base and performance feefees,BlackRock Solutions, distribution fees and other revenue by asset class for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.2007.

 

  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

Investment advisory and administration fees

  2008  2007  2008  2007
  2008  2007  2008  2007

Fixed income

  $234,542  $223,041  $457,267  $442,659  $230,228  $231,103  $687,495  $673,761

Equity and balanced

   630,805   535,986   1,271,443   1,015,525   549,135   595,727   1,820,578   1,611,252

Cash management

   183,505   120,189   358,059   234,786   176,615   128,381   534,674   363,168

Alternative investments

   169,584   97,114   306,088   179,286

Alternative investment products

   183,103   220,601   489,191   399,887
                        

Total investment advisory and administration fees

  $1,218,436  $976,330  $2,392,857  $1,872,256   1,139,081   1,175,812   3,531,938   3,048,068

BlackRock Solutions

   112,593   47,683   271,959   136,293

Distribution fees

   34,229   32,310   103,231   89,997

Other revenue

   27,317   42,274   93,182   126,118
                        

Total revenue

  $1,313,220  $1,298,079  $4,000,310  $3,400,476
            

- 25 -


In addition, distribution and other revenue, which includesBlackRock Solutions, totaled $168,515 and $294,232 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to $120,693 and $230,141 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

12.Segment Information (continued)

The following table illustrates the Company’s total revenue by geographic region for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and 2007. These amounts are aggregated on a legal entity jurisdiction basis and do not necessarily reflect where the customer is sourced.

 

  Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 

Revenue

  2008  % of
total
 2007  % of
total
   2008  % of
total
 2007  % of
total
 

North America

  $915,093  66.0% $716,099  65.3%  $891,053  67.8% $823,594  63.5%

Europe

   389,113  28.1%  340,354  31.0%   365,890  27.9%  428,955  33.0%

Asia-Pacific

   82,745  5.9%  40,570  3.7%   56,277  4.3%  45,530  3.5%
                          

Total revenue

  $1,386,951  100.0% $1,097,023  100.0%  $1,313,220  100.0% $1,298,079  100.0%
                          
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 

Revenue

  2008  % of
total
 2007  % of
total
 

North America

  $1,744,277  64.9% $1,372,961  65.3%

Europe

   806,166  30.0%  652,542  31.0%

Asia-Pacific

   136,646  5.1%  76,894  3.7%
             

Total revenue

  $2,687,089  100.0% $2,102,397  100.0%
             

 

- 25 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

12.Segment Information (continued)

    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

Revenue

  2008  % of
Total
  2007  % of
total
 

North America

  $2,635,331  65.9% $2,196,553  64.6%

Europe

   1,172,056  29.3%  1,081,500  31.8%

Asia-Pacific

   192,923  4.8%  122,423  3.6%
               

Total revenue

  $4,000,310  100.0% $3,400,476  100.0%
               

The following table illustrates the Company’s long-lived assets, including goodwill and property and equipment at JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 by geographic region. These amounts are aggregated on a legal entity jurisdiction basis.

 

Long-lived Assets

  June 30,
2008
 December 31,
2007
   September 30, 2008 December 31, 2007 

North America

  $5,707,511  98.4% $5,695,172  98.4%  $5,729,065  98.5% $5,695,172  98.4%

Europe

   38,597  0.7%  34,584  0.6%   35,588  0.6%  34,584  0.6%

Asia-Pacific

   54,466  0.9%  56,418  1.0%   53,635  0.9%  56,418  1.0%
                          

Total long-lived assets

  $5,800,574  100.0% $5,786,174  100.0%  $5,818,288  100.0% $5,786,174  100.0%
                          

Revenue and long-lived assets in North America are primarily comprised of the United States, while Europe is primarily comprised of the United Kingdom and Asia-Pacific is primarily comprised of Australia and Japan.

 

- 26 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

13.Subsequent Events

Material Definitive AgreementsMetric Property Management, Inc.

In JulyCommencing in October 2008, Metric Property Management, Inc. (“Metric”), a subsidiary of BlackRock, terminated various contracts with certain BlackRock real estate clients to provide property management services. Certain Metric employees have been transferred to a third party, which will provide the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Stockholder Agreement (“Stockholder Agreement”) and an Amended and Restated Global Distribution Agreement (“Global Distribution Agreement”) with Merrill Lynch.

The changes in the Stockholder Agreement in relationproperty management services to the prior agreement, among other things, (i) provide Merrill Lynch with some additional flexibilityreal estate clients. Metric intends to form or acquire asset managers substantiallyterminate all such contracts and cease providing such services. The impact of the business of which is devoted to nontraditional investment management strategies such as short selling, leverage, arbitrage, specialty finance and quantitatively-driven structured trades; (ii) expand the definition of change in control of Merrill Lynch to include the disposition of two-thirds or more of its Global Private Client business; (iii) extend the general termination date to the later of July 16, 2013 or the date Merrill Lynch’s beneficial ownership of BlackRock falls below 20%; and (iv) clarify certain other provisions in the agreement.

The changes in the Global Distribution Agreement in relation to the prior agreement, among other things, (i) provide for an extension to September 29, 2013, an additional 5-year extension after the date of a change in control of Merrill Lynch and one automatic 3-year extension if certain conditions are satisfied; (ii) strengthen the obligations of Merrill Lynch to achieve revenue neutrality across the range of BlackRock products distributed by Merrill Lynch if the pricing or structure of particular products is required to be changed; (iii) obligate Merrill Lynch to seek to obtain distribution arrangements for BlackRock products from buyers of any portion of its distribution business on the same terms as the Global Distribution Agreement for a period of at least 3 years; and (iv) restrict the manner in which products managed by alternative asset managers in which Merrill Lynch has an interest may be distributed by Merrill Lynch.

Acquisition of Impact Investing

On August 1, 2008, the Company acquired Impact Investing, a Sydney, Australia based software development company specializing in equity portfolio management and analytical software tools. The total consideration to be paid in the acquisitionthese items is not expected to be material to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Acquisition of Stake in India Asset Management Firm

On November 3, 2008, BlackRock completed the acquisition from Merrill Lynch of a 40% stake in DSP Merrill Lynch Fund Managers, which will be rebranded DSP BlackRock Investment Managers. The existing product range will be known as the DSP BlackRock Mutual Fund. The impact of this acquisition will not be material to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 2627 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-looking Statements

This report, and other statements that BlackRock may make, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to BlackRock’s future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “trend,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions.

BlackRock cautions that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and BlackRock assumes no duty to and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance.

In addition to risk factors previously disclosed in BlackRock’s SEC reports and those identified elsewhere in this report the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: (1) the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies; (2) changes and volatility in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment or financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in demand for products or services or in the value of assets under management; (3) the relative and absolute investment performance of BlackRock’s investment products; (4) the impact of increased competition; (5) the impact of capital improvement projects; (6) the impact of future acquisitions or divestitures; (7) the unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings; (8) the extent and timing of any share repurchases; (9) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes and the adequacy of intellectual property protection; (10) the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to BlackRock, Merrill Lynch or PNC; (11) terrorist activities and international hostilities, which may adversely affect the general economy, domestic and local financial and capital markets, specific industries, or BlackRock; (12) the ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (13) fluctuations in the carrying value of BlackRock’s investments; (14) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect the value of investment advisory and administration fees earned by BlackRock or the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies; (15) the impact of changes to tax legislation and, generally, the tax position of the Company; (16) BlackRock’s ability to successfully integrate the MLIM and Quellos Businesses with its existing business; (17) the ability of BlackRock to effectively manage the former MLIM and Quellos assetsbusinesses along with its historical assets under management; (18)operations; (17) BlackRock’s success in maintaining the distribution of its products; and (19)(18) the impact of BlackRock electing to provide support to its products from time to time.time; and (19) the impact of problems at other financial institutions or the failure or negative performance of products at other financial institutions.

 

- 2728 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Overview

BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock” or the “Company”) is one of the largest publicly traded investment management firms in the United States with $1.428$1.259 trillion of assets under management (“AUM”) at JuneSeptember 30, 2008. BlackRock manages assets on behalf of institutional and individual investors worldwide through a variety of fixed income, cash management, equity and balanced and alternative investment separate accounts and funds. In addition, BlackRock provides market risk management, financial marketsstrategic advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of clients. Financial markets advisory services include valuation of illiquid securities, dispositions and workouts, risk management and strategic planning and execution.

The broadly adverse environment plaguing the global capital markets negatively impacted flows and market values in all asset classes during the quarter. AUM ended the quarter at $1.259 trillion, down 12% since June 30, 2008 and 3% since September 30, 2007. The three most significant factors weighing on AUM were the sharp drop in global equity markets, dramatic dislocations in the money market industry, and strengthening of the U.S. dollar. In the face of these headwinds, investors continued to turn to BlackRock for a wide range of capital markets, risk management and valuation-related advisory services, including 16 net new assignments inBlackRock Solutions during the quarter and 52 new mandates year-to-date.

BlackRock is not immune to the significant movements in the global markets. In light of these recent market events, BlackRock will continue to reviewits expense structure to focus resources on areas for potential growth and possible reductions and reengineering opportunities.

On September 29, 2006, BlackRock and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“Merrill Lynch”) closed a transaction pursuant to which Merrill Lynch contributed its investment management business, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (“MLIM”), to BlackRock in exchange for an aggregate of 65 million shares of newly issued BlackRock common and non-voting participating preferred stock (the “MLIM Transaction”). On October 1, 2007, BlackRock acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the fund of funds business of Quellos Group, LLC (“Quellos”) for up to $1.719 billion in a combination of cash and common stock (the “Quellos Transaction”). At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, Merrill Lynch owned approximately 44.8%44.7% of the Company’s voting common stock and approximately 48.7%48.5% of the Company’s capital stock on a fully diluted basis and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) owned approximately 33.3%33.2% of the capital stock.

On September 15, 2008, Merrill Lynch and Bank of America Corporation (“Bank of America”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”). The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America will merge (the “Merger”) with and into Merrill Lynch, with Merrill Lynch continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America. The Merger has been approved by the board of directors of each of Merrill Lynch and Bank of America and they have indicated that it is expected to close on, or about December 31, 2008, subject to shareholder approval, customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The term of BlackRock’s Global Distribution Agreement with Merrill Lynch will automatically be extended for an additional five years from the date the Merger closes. The Stockholder Agreement, which will remain in place after the Merger, provides that Bank of America will have thirty days from the closing of the Merger to elect to either sell common shares of BlackRock over time to reduce its voting ownership down to 24.9%, or exchange 100% of the common shares held by Merrill Lynch for non-voting participating preferred securities that are economically equivalent to BlackRock’s common shares and automatically become common shares upon transfer to unaffiliated persons in accordance with the terms of the Stockholder Agreement. Any sales by Bank of America would be subject to the transfer restrictions contained in the Stockholder Agreement, which include the requirement that transfers generally not result in the beneficial ownership, by any person, of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding voting securities. BlackRock would also have a right of last refusal over private sales.

 

- 2829 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Overview (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Financial Highlights

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

The following table summarizes BlackRock’s operating performance for each of the three months ended September 30, 2008, June 30, 2008 March 31, 2008 and JuneSeptember 30, 2007 and the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and 2007. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2008 presentation.

 

   Three Months Ended  Variance vs. 
   June 30,  March 31,  June 30, 2007  March 31, 2008 
   2008  2007  2008  Amount  %  Amount  % 

Total revenue

  $1,386,951  $1,097,023  $1,300,138  $289,928  26.4% $86,813  6.7%

Total expenses

  $981,961  $815,022  $904,448  $166,939  20.5% $77,513  8.6%

Operating income

  $404,990  $282,001  $395,690  $122,989  43.6% $9,300  2.4%

Net income

  $274,058  $222,244  $241,671  $51,814  23.3% $32,387  13.4%

Net income, as adjusted(b)

  $285,271  $236,626  $253,060  $48,645  20.6% $32,211  12.7%

Diluted earnings per share (c)

  $2.05  $1.69  $1.82  $0.36  21.3% $0.23  12.6%

Diluted earnings per share, as
adjusted 
(b) (c)

  $2.14  $1.80  $1.90  $0.34  18.9% $0.24  12.6%

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding(c)

   133,526,713   131,383,470   132,876,553   2,143,243  1.6%  650,160  0.5%

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   29.2%  25.7%  30.4%      

Operating margin, as adjusted (a)

   37.9%  36.1%  37.6%      

Assets under management ($ in millions)

  $1,427,543  $1,230,086  $1,364,436  $197,457  16.1% $63,107  4.6%
   Three Months Ended  Variance vs. 
  September 30,  June 30,  September 30, 2007  June 30, 2008 
  2008  2007  2008  Amount  %  Amount  % 

GAAP basis:

        

Total revenue

  $1,313,220  $1,298,079  $1,386,951  $15,141  1% $(73,731) (5)%

Total expenses

  $859,684  $1,026,361  $981,961  $(166,677) (16)% $(122,277) (13)%

Operating income

  $453,536  $271,718  $404,990  $181,818  67% $48,546  12%

Operating margin

   34.5%  20.9%  29.2%    

Net income

  $217,726  $255,200  $274,058  $(37,474) (15)% $(56,332) (21)%

Diluted earnings per share (d)

  $1.62  $1.94  $2.05  $(0.32) (17)% $(0.43) (21)%

As adjusted:

        

Operating income(a)

  $431,330  $421,517  $447,166  $9,813  2% $(15,836) (4)%

Operating margin (a)

   38.4%  37.7%  37.9%    

Non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests(b)

  $(79,212) $47,357  $(8,288) $(126,569) (267)% $(70,924) NM 

Net income(c)

  $228,877  $300,079  $285,271  $(71,202) (24)% $(56,394) (20)%

Diluted earnings per share(c) (d)

  $1.71  $2.29  $2.14  $(0.58) (25)% $(0.43) (20)%

Other:

        

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding(d)

   134,012,819   131,316,455   133,526,713   2,696,364  2%  486,106  0%

Assets under management ($ in millions)

  $1,258,598  $1,299,556  $1,427,543  $(40,958) (3)% $(168,945) (12)%

 

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Variance 
   2008  2007  Amount  % 

Total revenue

  $2,687,089  $2,102,397  $584,692  27.8%

Total expenses

  $1,886,409  $1,548,165  $338,244  21.8%

Operating income

  $800,680  $554,232  $246,448  44.5%

Net income

  $515,729  $417,632  $98,097  23.5%

Net income, as adjusted(b)

  $538,331  $445,866  $92,465  20.7%

Diluted earnings per share (c)

  $3.87  $3.17  $0.70  22.1%

Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted(b) (c)

  $4.04  $3.39  $0.65  19.2%

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding(c)

   133,189,957   131,580,121   1,609,836  1.2%

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   29.8%  26.4%   

Operating margin, as adjusted (a)

   37.8%  36.4%   

Assets under management ($ in millions)

  $1,427,543  $1,230,086  $197,457  16.1%
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance 
  2008  2007  Amount  % 

GAAP basis:

     

Total revenue

  $4,000,310  $3,400,476  $599,834  18%

Total expenses

  $2,746,094  $2,574,528  $171,566  7%

Operating income

  $1,254,216  $825,948  $428,268  52%

Operating margin

   31.4%  24.3%  

Net income

  $733,455  $672,832  $60,623  9%

Diluted earnings per share (d)

  $5.49  $5.12  $0.37  7%

As adjusted:

     

Operating income(a)

  $1,290,911  $1,029,423  $261,568  25%

Operating margin(a)

   38.0%  36.9%  

Non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests(b)

  $(110,592) $136,116  $(246,708) (181)%

Net income(c)

  $767,208  $745,945  $21,263  3%

Diluted earnings per share(c) (d)

  $5.75  $5.67  $0.08  1%

Other:

     

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding(d)

   133,500,644   131,534,188   1,966,456  1%

NM=Not meaningful

 

- 2930 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Overview (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Financial Highlights

(continued)

(a) BlackRock reports its financial results on a GAAP basis;in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”); however, management believes that evaluating the Company’s ongoing operating results may not be as useful if investors are limited to reviewing only GAAP basis financial measures. Management reviews non-GAAP financial measures to assess ongoing operations and, for the reasons described below, considers them to be effective indicators, for both management and investors, of BlackRock’s financial performance over time. BlackRock’s management does not advocate that investors consider such non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Operating margin, as adjusted, equals operating income used for operating margin measurement, divided by revenue used for operating margin measurement, as indicated in the table below. Certain prior period non-GAAP data has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Computations for all periods are derived from the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income as follows:

   Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   June 30,  March 31,  
   2008  2007  2008  2008  2007 

Operating income, GAAP basis

  $404,990  $282,001  $395,690  $800,680  $554,232 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

      

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   14,751   13,933   15,021   29,772   25,976 

Merrill Lynch compensation contribution

   2,500   2,500   2,500   5,000   5,000 

MLIM integration costs

   —     6,039   —     —     13,139 

Closed-end fund launch costs

   5,388   19,801   3,739   9,127   32,953 

Closed-end fund commissions

   —     4,297   164   164   5,694 

Compensation expense related to (depreciation) appreciation on deferred compensation plans

   24,925   7,073   (795)  24,129   9,559 
                     

Operating income used for operating margin measurement

  $452,554  $335,644  $416,319  $868,872  $646,553 
                     

Revenue, GAAP basis

  $1,386,951  $1,097,023  $1,300,138  $2,687,089  $2,102,397 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

      

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   (153,618)  (131,077)  (155,739)  (309,357)  (262,163)

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   (33,422)  (28,713)  (30,208)  (63,630)  (50,271)

Reimbursable property management compensation

   (6,341)  (6,664)  (6,119)  (12,460)  (13,306)
                     

Revenue used for operating margin measurement

  $1,193,570  $930,569  $1,108,072  $2,301,642  $1,776,657 
                     

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   29.2%  25.7%  30.4%  29.8%  26.4%
                     

Operating margin, as adjusted

   37.9%  36.1%  37.6%  37.8%  36.4%
                     

Management believes that(a) Operating income, as adjusted and operating margin, as adjusted:

Operating income, as adjusted, is an effective indicatorequals operating income, GAAP basis, excluding certain transactions deemed non-recurring by management or transactions that ultimately will not impact BlackRock’s book value, as indicated in the table below. Operating income used for operating margin measurement, equals operating income, as adjusted, excluding the impact of management’s ability to effectively employ BlackRock’s resources. As such, management believes that operatingclosed-end fund launch costs and commissions. Operating margin, as adjusted, provides useful disclosure to investors.equals operating income used for operating margin measurement, divided by revenue used for operating margin measurement, as indicated in the table below.

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 September 30,  June 30,  
 2008  2007  2008  2008  2007 

Operating income, GAAP basis

 $453,536  $271,718  $404,990  $1,254,216  $825,948 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

     

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing agreement

  —     128,114   —     —     128,114 

PNC LTIP funding obligation

  14,655   13,613   14,751   44,427   39,589 

Merrill Lynch compensation contribution

  2,500   2,500   2,500   7,500   7,500 

MLIM integration costs

  —     6,139   —     —     19,278 

Quellos integration costs

  —     140   —     —     140 

Compensation expense related to (depreciation) appreciation on deferred compensation plans

  (39,361)  (707)  24,925   (15,232)  8,854 
                    

Operating income, as adjusted

  431,330   421,517   447,166   1,290,911   1,029,423 

Closed-end fund launch costs

  —     1,875   5,388   9,127   34,828 

Closed-end fund launch commissions

  —     264   —     164   5,958 
                    

Operating income used for operating margin measurement

 $431,330  $423,656  $452,554  $1,300,202  $1,070,209 
                    

Revenue, GAAP basis

 $1,313,220  $1,298,079  $1,386,951  $4,000,310  $3,400,476 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

     

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

  (150,259)  (138,850)  (153,618)  (459,615)  (401,014)

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

  (33,857)  (28,763)  (33,422)  (97,487)  (79,034)

Reimbursable property management compensation

  (6,218)  (7,218)  (6,341)  (18,678)  (20,525)
                    

Revenue used for operating margin measurement

 $1,122,886  $1,123,248  $1,193,570  $3,424,530  $2,899,903 
                    

Operating margin, GAAP basis

  34.5%  20.9%  29.2%  31.4%  24.3%
                    

Operating margin, as adjusted

  38.4%  37.7%  37.9%  38.0%  36.9%
                    

 

- 3031 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Overview (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Financial Highlights

(continued)

(a) (continued)

Non-GAAP

Management believes that operating income, adjustments used foras adjusted, and operating margin, as adjusted, are effective indicators of management’s ability to effectively employ BlackRock’s resources. As such, management believes that operating income, as adjusted, and operating margin, as adjusted, provide useful disclosure to investors.

Operating income, as adjusted:

The expense related to the termination of the closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements with Merrill Lynch has been excluded from operating income, as adjusted, as the termination of the arrangements is deemed non-recurring by management. The portion of expense associated with certain Long-Term Incentive Plans (“LTIP”) that will be funded through the distribution to participants of shares of BlackRock common stock held by PNC and the anticipated Merrill Lynch compensation contribution have been excluded because, exclusive of the impact related to the exercise of LTIP participants’ put options, primarily in the three months ended March 31, 2007, these charges do not impact BlackRock’s book value. MLIM and Quellos integration costs consist principally of certain professional fees, rebranding costs and compensation costs incurred in conjunction with the integration, which were reflected in GAAP operating income. Integration costs have been deemed non-recurring by management and have been excluded from operating income, as adjusted, to help ensure the comparability of this information to prior periods. Closed-end fund launch costs and commissions have been excluded from operating income, as adjusted, because such costs can fluctuate considerably and revenues associated with the expenditure of such costs will not fully impact the Company’s results until future periods. As such, management believes that operating margins exclusive of these costs are more representative of the operating performance for the respective periods. Compensation expense associated with appreciation (depreciation) on assets related to certain BlackRock deferred compensation plans has been excluded as returns on investments set asidedirected for these plans are reported in non-operating income.

Non-GAAP revenue adjustmentsOperating margin, as adjusted:

Operating income used for measuring operating margin, as adjusted, is equal to operating income, as adjusted, excluding the impact of closed-end fund launch costs and commissions. Management believes that excluding such costs and commissions is useful because such costs can fluctuate considerably and revenues associated with the expenditure of such costs will not fully impact the Company’s results until future periods.

Revenue used for operating margin, as adjusted:

Portfolioadjusted, excludes portfolio administration and servicing costs paid to related parties and to other third parties, have been excluded from revenue used for operating margin, as adjusted,parties. Management believes that excluding such costs is useful because the Company receives offsetting revenue and expense for these services. Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions are excluded from revenue used for operating margin measurement, as adjusted, because such costs, over time, offset distribution fee revenue earned by the Company. Reimbursable property management compensation represents compensation and benefits paid to personnel of Metric Property Management, Inc. (“Metric”), a subsidiary of BlackRock Realty Advisors, Inc. (“Realty”). These employees are retained on Metric’s payroll when certain properties are acquired by Realty’s clients. The related compensation and benefits are fully reimbursed by Realty’s clients and have been excluded from revenue used for operating margin, as adjusted, because they bear no economic cost to BlackRock.

(b) Non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests, as adjusted:

Non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests, as adjusted, equals non-operating income (expense), GAAP basis, net of non-controlling interests, GAAP basis, adjusted for compensation expense associated with depreciation (appreciation) on assets related to certain BlackRock reportsdeferred compensation plans, which is recorded in operating income. This compensation expense has been included in non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests, as adjusted, to offset returns on investments set aside for these plans, which are reported in non-operating income (expense), GAAP basis.

   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  September 30,  June 30,  
  2008  2007  2008  2008  2007 

Non-operating income (expense), GAAP basis

  $(139,684) $128,189  $(3,263) $(161,475) $499,639 

Non-controlling interests, GAAP basis

   (21,111)  81,539   (19,900)  (35,651)  354,669 
                     

Non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests

   (118,573)  46,650   16,637   (125,824)  144,970 

Compensation expense related to depreciation (appreciation) on deferred compensation plans

   39,361   707   (24,925)  15,232   (8,854)
                     

Non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests, as adjusted

  $(79,212) $47,357  $(8,288) $(110,592) $136,116 
                     

- 32 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Overview (continued)

(b) Non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests, as adjusted (continued):

Management believes that non-operating income (expense), as adjusted, provides for comparability of this information to prior periods and is an effective measure for reviewing BlackRock’s non-operating contribution to its financial resultsresults. As the compensation expense, which is included in operating income, offsets the gain/(loss) on a GAAP basis; however,the investments associated with the expense, management believes that evaluating the Company’s ongoing operating results maynon-operating income (expense), net of non controlling interests, as adjusted, provides useful disclosure to investors.

(c) Net income, as adjusted:

Net income, as adjusted, equals net income, GAAP basis, adjusted for significant non-recurring items as well as charges which ultimately will not be as useful if investors are limited to reviewing only GAAP-basis financial measures. Management reviews non-GAAP financial measures to assess ongoing operations and for the reasons described below, considers them to be effective indicators, for both management and investors, ofimpact BlackRock’s financial performance over time. BlackRock’s management does not advocate that investors consider such non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.book value

 

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  June 30,  March 31,  June 30, September 30, June 30, 
  2008  2007  2008  2008  2007 2008 2007 2008 2008 2007 

Net income, GAAP basis

  $274,058  $222,244  $241,671  $515,729  $417,632 $217,726 $255,200  $274,058 $733,455 $672,832 

Non-GAAP adjustments, net of tax:

               

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

  —    81,993   —    —    81,993 

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   9,588   8,917   9,764   19,352   16,625  9,526  8,712   9,588  28,878  25,337 

Merrill Lynch compensation contribution

   1,625   1,600   1,625   3,250   3,200  1,625  1,600   1,625  4,875  4,800 

MLIM integration costs

   —     3,865   —     —     8,409  —    3,929   —    —    12,338 

Quellos integration costs

  —    90   —    —    90 

Corporate income tax reductions

  —    (51,445)  —    —    (51,445)
                           

Net income, as adjusted

  $285,271  $236,626  $253,060  $538,331  $445,866 $228,877 $300,079  $285,271 $767,208 $745,945 
                           

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding(c)

   133,526,713   131,383,470   132,876,553   133,189,957   131,580,121

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (d)

  134,012,819  131,316,455   133,526,713  133,500,644  131,534,188 
                           

Diluted earnings per share, GAAP basis(c)

  $2.05  $1.69  $1.82  $3.87  $3.17

Diluted earnings per share, GAAP basis (d)

 $1.62 $1.94  $2.05 $5.49 $5.12 
                           

Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted(c)

  $2.14  $1.80  $1.90  $4.04  $3.39

Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted (d)

 $1.71 $2.29  $2.14 $5.75 $5.67 
                           

Management believes that net income, as adjusted, and diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, are effective measurements of BlackRock’s profitability and financial performance. The termination of the closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements with Merrill Lynch has been excluded from net income, as adjusted and diluted earnings per share as adjusted, as the termination of the arrangements is deemed non-recurring by management. The portion of the LTIP expense associated with awards that will be funded through the distribution to participants of shares of BlackRock common stock held by PNC and the anticipated Merrill Lynch compensation contribution have been excluded from net income, as adjusted, and diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, because, exclusive of the impact related to the exercise of LTIP participants’ put options, primarily in the three months ended March 31, 2007, these charges do not impact BlackRock’s book value. MLIM and Quellos integration costs reflected in GAAP net income have been deemed non-recurring by management and have been excluded from net income, as adjusted, and diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, to help ensure the comparability of this information to prior reporting periods. Integration costs consist principally of certain professional fees, rebranding costs and compensation costs incurred in conjunction with the integration. The United Kingdom and Germany, during third quarter 2007, enacted legislation reducing corporate income taxes, effective in April and January of 2008, respectively, which resulted in a revaluation of certain deferred tax liabilities. The resulting decrease in income taxes has been excluded from net income, as adjusted, as it is non-recurring and to ensure comparability to current reporting periods.

(d) Series A non-voting participating preferred stock is considered to be common stock for purposes of earnings per share calculations.

(c)Series A non-voting participating preferred stock is considered to be common stock for purposes of earnings per share calculations.

 

- 3133 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Overview (continued)

 

BlackRock has portfolio managers located around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Japan, Hong Kong and Australia. The Company provides a wide array of taxable and tax-exempt fixed income, equity and balanced mutual funds and separate accounts, as well as a wide assortment of index-based equity and alternative investment products to a diverse global clientele. BlackRock provides global advisory services for mutual funds and other non-U.S. equivalent retail products. The Company’s non-U.S. mutual funds are based in a number of domiciles and cover a range of asset classes, including cash management, fixed income and equities. The Merrill Lynch International Investment Funds, the primary retail fund group offered outside the United States, iswas rebranded in April 2008 as the BlackRock Global Funds (“BGF”), which was formerly the Merrill Lynch International Investment Funds (“MLIIF”) and was rebranded in April 2008.. BGF is authorized for distribution in more than 35 jurisdictions worldwide. In the United States, the primary retail offerings include various open-end and closed-end funds. Additional fund offerings include structured products, real estate funds, hedge funds, hedge funds of funds, private equity funds and funds of funds, managed futures funds and exchange funds. These products are sold to both U.S. and non-U.S. high net worth, retail and institutional investors in a wide variety of active and passive strategies covering both equity and fixed income assets.

BlackRock’s client base consists of financial institutions and other corporate clients, pension funds, high net worth individuals and retail investors around the world. BlackRock maintains a significant sales and marketing presence both inside and outside the United States that is focused on establishing and maintaining retail and institutional investment management relationships by marketing its services to retail and institutional investors directly and through financial professionals, pension consultants and establishing third-party distribution relationships. BlackRock also distributes a significant amount of its products and services through Merrill Lynch under a Global Distribution Agreement, which was amended and restated in July 2008, to among other things provide for an extension which runs through September 29, 2013. See Note 13, Subsequent Events,8, Related Party Transactions, to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this filing for further discussion.

BlackRock derives a substantial portion of its revenue from investment advisory and administration base fees, which are recognized as the services are performed. Such fees are primarily based on pre-determined percentages of the market value of AUM, percentages of committed capital during investment periods of certain products, or, in the case of certain real estate equity separate accounts, net operating income generated by the underlying properties, and are affected by changes in AUM, including market appreciation or depreciation, foreign exchange gains or losses and net subscriptions or redemptions. Net subscriptions or redemptions represent the sum of new client assets, additional fundings from existing clients (including dividend reinvestment), withdrawals of assets from, and termination of, client accounts and purchases and redemptions of mutual fund shares. Market appreciation or depreciation includes current income earned on, and changes in the fair value of, securities held in client accounts.

Investment advisory agreements for certain separate accounts and BlackRock’s alternative investment products provide for performance fees, based upon relative and/or absolute performance, in addition to base fees based on AUM. Investment advisory performance fees generally are earned after a given period of time or when investment performance exceeds certain contractual thresholds. As such, the timing of recognition of performance fees may increase the volatility of BlackRock’s revenue and earnings.

BlackRock provides a variety of risk management, investment analytic, investment system and financial markets advisory services to financial institutions, pension funds, asset managers, foundations, consultants, mutual fund sponsors, real estate investment trusts and government agencies. These services are provided under the brand nameBlackRock Solutions® and include a wide array of risk management services, valuation of illiquid securities, disposition and workouts, strategic planning and execution, and enterprise investment system outsourcing for clients. Fees earned forBlackRock Solutions services, which include financial market advisory services, are based on some, or all, of the following methods: (i) fixed fees, (ii) percentages of various attributes of advisory assets under management and (iii) performance fees if contractual thresholds are met.BlackRock Solutions fees are recorded as other revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

- 3234 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Overview (continued)

 

Operating expenses reflect employee compensation and benefits, portfolio administration and servicing costs, amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions, general and administration expense and amortization of intangible assets. Employee compensation and benefits expense reflects salaries, deferred and incentive compensation, stock-based compensation and related benefit costs. Portfolio administration and servicing costs reflectinclude payments made to Merrill Lynch-affiliated entities under the Global Distribution Agreement and to PNC-affiliated entities, as well as third parties, primarily associated with the administration and servicing of client investments in certain BlackRock products.

Assets Under Management

BlackRock, Inc.

Assets Under Management Summary

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

  June 30,  March 31,  June 30,
2007
  Variance   September 30,  June 30,  September 30,
2007
  Variance 
  Quarter to
Quarter
  Year to
Year
    Quarter to
Quarter
  Year to
Year
 
  2008    2008   

Fixed income

  $527,186  $514,673  $492,287  2.4% 7.1%  $502,066  $527,186  $509,750  (5)% (2)%

Equity and balanced

   435,676   426,935   435,873  2.0% 0.0%   351,428   435,676   454,162  (19)% (23)%

Cash management

   344,944   349,208   259,840  (1.2)% 32.8%   290,692   344,944   290,748  (16)% (0)%

Alternative investments products

   76,103   73,620   42,086  3.4% 80.8%   71,308   76,103   44,896  (6)% 59%
                        

Sub Total

   1,383,909   1,364,436   1,230,086  1.4% 12.5%   1,215,494   1,383,909   1,299,556  (12)% (6)%

Advisory1

   43,634   —     —    NM  NM    43,104   43,634   —    (1)% NM 
                        

Total

  $1,427,543  $1,364,436  $1,230,086  4.6% 16.1%  $1,258,598  $1,427,543  $1,299,556  (12)% (3)%
                        

 

1

Advisory AUM represents long-term portfolio liquidation assignments.

NM – Not Meaningful

 

- 3335 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Assets Under Management (continued)

 

AUM increaseddecreased approximately $63.1$168.9 billion, or 4.6%12%, to $1.259 trillion at September 30, 2008, compared to $1.428 trillion at June 30, 2008, compared to $1.364 trillion at March 31, 2008. The growthdecline in AUM was attributable to $63.2 billion in net subscriptions and $1.5$88.3 billion in net market appreciation, partially offset by $1.7depreciation, $59.9 billion in net redemptions and $20.7 billion in foreign exchange losses. Net subscriptionsmarket depreciation of $63.2$88.3 billion included $69.1 billion of depreciation in equity and balanced assets, due to a decline in global equity markets, primarily in sector funds which include natural resources funds and $14.9 billion in fixed income. Net redemptions of $59.9 billion for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 was the result of net new businessredemptions of $43.6$53.5 billion in advisory assignments, $16.7prime money market funds and securities lending portfolios, the majority of which occurred toward the end of the quarter, $4.2 billion in fixed income products primarily related to net outflows in targeted duration products $6.0partially offset by net inflows in sector specific, global and international products, $2.5 billion in equity and balanced products primarily related to global allocation products and $1.5$0.7 billion in alternative products,advisory liquidation assignments, partially offset by net redemptions of $4.6 billion in cash management products at quarter-end. Net market appreciation of $1.5 billion included $3.7$1.0 billion of appreciation in equity and balanced assets primarily in sector funds, including natural resources funds. Foreign exchange losses of $1.7 billion consisted primarily of $0.9 billion in equity and balanced assets, $0.6 billion in fixed income assets and $0.1 billionnet inflows in alternative investment products. The $20.7 billion reduction in AUM from foreign exchange was across all asset classes due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, which resulted in foreign exchange translation from converting non-dollar denominated AUM into U.S. dollars.

AUM increaseddecreased approximately $197.5$41.0 billion, or 16.1%3%, to $1.428$1.259 trillion at JuneSeptember 30, 2008, compared with $1.230$1.3 trillion at JuneSeptember 30, 2007. The growthdecline in AUM was attributable to $170.2$120.1 billion in net market depreciation and $12.0 billion in foreign exchange losses, partially offset by $69.3 billion in net subscriptions of whichand $21.9 billion was acquired in the Quellos Transaction and $16.9 billion represents foreign exchange gains, partially offset by $11.5 billion in net market depreciation. Net subscriptions of $170.2 billion for the twelve months ended June 30, 2008 were attributable to net new business of $82.9 billion in cash management products, $43.6 billion in advisory assets, $19.7 billion in equity and balanced products, $13.4 billion in fixed income products and $10.6 billion in alternative investment products. Foreign exchange gains of $16.9 billion consisted primarily of $10.4 billion in equity and balanced assets and $5.3 billion in fixed income assets.Transaction. Market depreciation of $11.5$120.1 billion was more than explained byprimarily due to the depreciation in equity and balanced assets of $30.2$109.2 billion, as equity markets declined during the twelve months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 partially offset by appreciationand depreciation on fixed income products of $16.1$8.1 billion. The $12.0 billion reduction in AUM from foreign exchange was across all asset classes due to currentthe strengthening of the U.S. dollar which resulted in foreign exchange translation from converting non-dollar denominated AUM into U.S. dollars. Net subscriptions of $69.3 billion for the twelve months ended September 30, 2008 were attributable to net new business of $42.9 billion in advisory liquidation assignments, $14.0 billion in equity and balanced products primarily related to asset allocation products, $9.5 billion in alternative products and $3.6 billion in fixed income and changesproducts, partially offset by $0.8 billion of net outflows in market interest rates.cash management products.

The following table presents the component changes in BlackRock’s AUM for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008.

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the Quarter Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

  March 31,
2008
  Net
subscriptions

(redemptions)
  Market
appreciation

(depreciation)
  Foreign
exchange 1
  June 30,
2008
     June 30,
2008
  Net
subscriptions
(redemptions)
 Market
appreciation
(depreciation)
 Foreign
exchange 1
 September 30,
2008

Fixed income

  $514,673  $16,732  $(3,610) $(609) $527,186  $527,186  $(4,211) $(14,918) $(5,991) $502,066

Equity and balanced

   426,935   5,963   3,701   (923)  435,676   435,676   (2,494)  (69,057)  (12,697)  351,428

Cash management

   349,208   (4,601)  338   (1)  344,944   344,944   (53,477)  288   (1,063)  290,692

Alternative investment products

   73,620   1,508   1,095   (120)  76,103   76,103   973   (4,805)  (963)  71,308
                              

Sub Total

   1,364,436   19,602   1,524   (1,653)  1,383,909   1,383,909   (59,209)  (88,492)  (20,714)  1,215,494

Advisory2

   —     43,634   —     —     43,634   43,634   (700)  170   —     43,104
                              

Total

  $1,364,436  $63,236  $1,524  $(1,653) $1,427,543  $1,427,543  $(59,909) $(88,322) $(20,714) $1,258,598
                              

 

1

Foreign exchange reflects the impact of converting non-dollar denominated AUM into U.S. dollars for reporting.

2

Advisory AUM represents long-term portfolio liquidation assignments.

 

- 3436 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Assets Under Management (continued)

 

The following table presents the component changes in BlackRock’s AUM for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008.

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

  December 31,
2007
  Net
subscriptions

(redemptions)
  Market
appreciation

(depreciation)
  Foreign
exchange 1
  June 30,
2008
       December 31,
2007
  Net
subscriptions
(redemptions)
 Market
appreciation
(depreciation)
 Foreign
exchange 1
 September 30,
2008

Fixed income

  $513,020  $13,797  $(2,264) $2,633  $527,186  $513,020  $9,586  $(17,181) $(3,359) $502,066

Equity and balanced

   459,182   5,644   (34,353)  5,203   435,676   459,182   3,150   (103,411)  (7,493)  351,428

Cash management

   313,338   30,543   762   301   344,944   313,338   (22,934)  1,050   (762)  290,692

Alternative investment products

   71,104   4,830   (236)  405   76,103   71,104   5,804   (5,041)  (559)  71,308
                              

Sub Total

   1,356,644   54,814   (36,091)  8,542   1,383,909   1,356,644   (4,394)  (124,583)  (12,173)  1,215,494

Advisory2

   —     43,634   —     —     43,634   —     42,934   170   —     43,104
                              

Total

  $1,356,644  $98,448  $(36,091) $8,542  $1,427,543  $1,356,644  $38,540  $(124,413) $(12,173) $1,258,598
                              

 

1

Foreign exchange reflects the impact of converting non-dollar denominated AUM into U.S. dollars for reporting.

2

Advisory AUM represents long-term portfolio liquidation assignments.

The following table presents the component changes in BlackRock’s AUM for the twelve months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008.

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the Twelve Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

  June 30,
2007
  Net
subscriptions

(redemptions)
  Acquisition 1  Market
appreciation

(depreciation)
  Foreign
exchange 2
  June 30,
2008
       September 30,
2007
  Net
subscriptions
(redemptions)
 Acquisition 1  Market
appreciation
(depreciation)
 Foreign
exchange 2
 September 30,
2008

Fixed income

  $492,287  $13,411  $—    $16,147  $5,341  $527,186  $509,750  $3,609  $—    $(8,139) $(3,154) $502,066

Equity and balanced

   435,873   19,653   —     (30,209)  10,359   435,676   454,162   13,964   —     (109,157)  (7,541)  351,428

Cash management

   259,840   82,914   —     1,632   558   344,944   290,748   (753)  —     1,437   (740)  290,692

Alternative investment products

   42,086   10,603   21,868   949   597   76,103   44,896   9,511   21,868   (4,382)  (585)  71,308
                                    

Sub Total

   1,230,086   126,581   21,868   (11,481)  16,855   1,383,909   1,299,556   26,331   21,868   (120,241)  (12,020)  1,215,494

Advisory3

   —     43,634   —     —     —     43,634   —     42,934   —     170   —     43,104
                                    

Total

  $1,230,086  $170,215  $21,868  $(11,481) $16,855  $1,427,543  $1,299,556  $69,265  $21,868  $(120,071) $(12,020) $1,258,598
                                    

 

1

Data reflects net assets acquired in the Quellos Transaction on October 1, 2007.

2

Foreign exchange reflects the impact of converting non-dollar denominated AUM into U.S. dollars for reporting.

3

Advisory AUM represents long-term portfolio liquidation assignments.

 

- 3537 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Operating results for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.2007

Revenue

 

  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance 
  2008  2007  Amount %  2008  2007  Amount % 

Investment advisory and administration fees:

              

Fixed income

  $234,048  $221,931  $12,117  5.5%  $230,228  $230,373  $(145) (0)%

Equity and balanced

   601,311   529,046   72,265  13.7%   540,019   580,302   (40,283) (7)%

Cash management

   183,505   120,189   63,316  52.7%   176,615   128,381   48,234  38%

Alternative investment products

   142,493   79,444   63,049  79.4%   137,539   87,374   50,165  57%
                      

Investment advisory and administration base fees

   1,161,357   950,610   210,747  22.2%   1,084,401   1,026,430   57,971  6%

Fixed income

   494   1,110   (616) (55.5)%   —     730   (730) (100)%

Equity and balanced

   29,494   6,940   22,554  325.0%   9,116   15,425   (6,309) (41)%

Alternative investment products

   27,091   17,670   9,421  53.3%   45,564   133,227   (87,663) (66)%
                      

Investment advisory performance fees

   57,079   25,720   31,359  121.9%   54,680   149,382   (94,702) (63)%
                      

Total investment advisory and administration fees

   1,218,436   976,330   242,106  24.8%   1,139,081   1,175,812   (36,731) (3)%

BlackRock Solutions

   112,593   47,683   64,910  136%
Distribution fees   33,683   32,867   816  2.5%   34,229   32,310   1,919  6%

Other revenue:

       

BlackRock Solutions

   99,701   46,296   53,405  115.4%

Other revenue

   35,131   41,530   (6,399) (15.4)%   27,317   42,274   (14,957) (35)%
           

Total other revenue

   134,832   87,826   47,006  53.5%
                      

Total revenue

  $1,386,951  $1,097,023  $289,928  26.4%  $1,313,220  $1,298,079  $15,141  1%
                      

Total revenue for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 increased $289.9$15.1 million, or 26.4%1%, to $1,387.0$1,313.2 million, compared with $1,097.0$1,298.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. The $289.9$15.1 million increase was primarily the result of a $242.1$64.9 million increase inBlackRock Solutions, partially offset by decreases of $36.7 million in total investment advisory and administration fees and a $47.0$15.0 million increase in totalof other revenue.

 

- 3638 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Operating results for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.2007 (continued)

 

Revenue (continued)

 

Investment Advisory and Administration Fees

The increasedecrease in investment advisory and administration fees of $242.1$36.7 million, was the result of a decrease of $94.7 million in performance fees offset by an increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $210.7$58.0 million, or 22.2%6%, to $1,161.4$1,084.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, compared with $950.6$1,026.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007, and an increase of $31.4 million in performance fees. Investment advisory and administration base fees increased for the three months ended June 30, 2008 primarily as a result of increased average AUM across all asset types over the past twelve months.2007.

The increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $210.7$58.0 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 consisted of base fee increases of $72.3 million in equity and balanced products, $63.3 million in cash management products, $63.0$50.2 million in alternative investment products and $12.1$48.2 million in fixed incomecash management products, partially offset by a $40.3 million decline in base fees in equity and balanced products. The increase in investment advisory and administration base fees was driven by increasesan increase in average AUM for cash management products and an increase in each asset class, which includesAUM in alternative products primarily due to the impact of the AUM acquired in the Quellos Transaction, forTransaction. The decrease in base fees of $40.3 million in equity and balanced products was due to a decline in AUM as a result of market depreciation over the three monthstwelve month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007.2008.

Investment advisory performance fees increased by $31.4decreased $94.7 million or 121.9%, to $57.1$54.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, compared to $25.7$149.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007, primarily as a result of higher investment advisory performance fees in international equity separate accounts and other investmentmarket effects on alternative products, including equityreal estate funds, fixed income hedge funds and real estate debt funds.energy and natural resources hedge funds, with absolute performance return measures.

Other RevenueBlackRock Solutions

Total otherBlackRock Solutions revenue of $134.8$112.6 million for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 increased $47.0$64.9 million, or 53.5%136%, compared with the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. Total other revenue primarily represents fees earned onThe increasein BlackRock Solutions productsrevenue was primarily the result of additional advisory assignments and servicesAladdin® assignments. A portion of $99.7the revenue earned on advisory assignments was comprised of one-time advisory and portfolio structuring fees and ongoing fees based on AUM of the respective portfolio assignments.

Other Revenue

Other revenue of $27.3 million net interest related to securities lending of $10.5for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 decreased $15.0 million, or 35%, compared with the quarter ended September 30, 2007. Other revenue represents property management fees of $9.1$9.0 million earned on real estate products (primarily related to reimbursement of the salaries and benefits of certain Metric employees from certain real estate products) and, net interest related to securities lending of $5.5 million, unit trust sales commissions of $6.7 million.$4.9 million and $7.9 million of other revenue.

The increasedecrease in other revenue of $47.0$15.0 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007, was primarily the result of an increase of $53.4a $13.6 million decrease fromBlackRock Solutions products other advisory service fees earned in third quarter 2007 and services driven by additional advisory and Aladdin® assignments, partially offset by a $1.2 million decrease in fees earned for fund accounting of $6.5 million. A portion of the revenue earned on advisory assignments was comprised of both ongoing fees based on AUM of the respective portfolio assignments and one-time advisory and portfolio structuringproperty management fees.

 

- 3739 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Operating results for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.2007 (continued)

 

Expenses

 

  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance 
  2008  2007  Amount %  2008  2007  Amount % 

Expenses:

              

Employee compensation and benefits

  $551,954  $408,773  $143,181  35.0%  $468,094  $499,742  $(31,648) (6)%

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   153,618   131,077   22,541  17.2%   150,259   138,850   11,409  8%

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   33,422   28,713   4,709  16.4%   33,857   28,763   5,094  18%

General and administration

   206,395   215,384   (8,989) (4.2)%   170,917   199,807   (28,890) (15)%

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   —     128,114   (128,114) (100)%

Amortization of intangible assets

   36,572   31,075   5,497  17.7%   36,557   31,085   5,472  18%
                      

Total expenses

  $981,961  $815,022  $166,939  20.5%  $859,684  $1,026,361  $(166,677) (16)%
                      

Total expenses increased $166.9decreased $166.7 million, or 20.5%16%, to $982.0$859.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, compared with $815.0$1,026.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. The increasedecrease was attributable to increasesthe impact of a one-time expense in the three months ended September 30, 2007, of $128.1 million associated with the termination of certain closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements and decreases in employee compensation and benefits of $31.6 million and general and administration of $28.9 million, partially offset by increases in portfolio and administration and servicing costs of $11.4 million, amortization of finite-lived intangible assets of $5.5 million and amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions partially offset by a decreaseof $5.1 million. Expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2007 also included $6.3 million of MLIM and Quellos integration costs recorded in general and administration expenses. The three months ended June 30, 2007 included $6.0 million of integration charges related to the MLIM Transaction, which were primarily recorded in general and administration expense.

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expense increaseddecreased by $143.2$31.6 million, or 35.0%6%, to $552.0$468.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, compared to $408.8$499.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. The increasedecrease in employee compensation and benefits expense was attributableprimarily due to increasesa decline in incentive compensation salariesof $22.3 million and benefits,a decrease in deferred compensation and stock-based compensation of $68.4$37.4 million, $38.4 million, $23.1 million and $13.3 million, respectively. The $68.4partially offset by a $28.1 million increase in salaries, benefits and other employee compensation. The $22.3 million decrease in incentive compensation was primarily attributable to higher operating income and directlower incentives associated with higherlower performance fees earned on the Company’s alternative investment products. Theproducts, partially offset by an increase of $38.4 million in salaries and benefits wasstock-based compensation primarily due to higher staffing levels associated with business growth andadditional grants of stock awards in the Quellos Transaction. Full time employees (including employees of Metric) at June 30, 2008 totaled 6,069 as compared to 5,315 at June 30, 2007.first quarter 2008. Deferred compensation increased $23.1decreased $37.4 million, primarily due to appreciationdepreciation on assets related to certain deferred compensation plans, which is substantially offset by gainslosses on certain investments included in non-operating income. Stock-basedThe increase of $28.1 million in salaries, benefits and other employee compensation increased $13.3 millionwas primarily due to additional grantsincreased staff (including the increase in staff associated with the Quellos Transaction). Full time employees (including employees of stock awards inMetric) at September 30, 2008 totaled 6,262 as compared to 5,613 at September 30, 2007.

- 40 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the first quarter 2008.three months ended September 30, 2008, as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2007 (continued)

Expenses (continued)

Portfolio Administration and Servicing Costs

Portfolio administration and servicing costs increased $22.5$11.4 million to $153.6$150.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, compared to $131.1$138.9 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. These costs include payments to Merrill Lynch under the Global Distribution Agreement, and payments to PNC as well as other third parties, primarily associated with the administration and servicing of client investments in certain BlackRock products. The $22.5$11.4 million increase relates primarily to higher levels of average AUM in open-end funds, cash management products, as well as alternative products.

Portfolio administration and servicing costs for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 included $118.1$117.9 million of costs attributable to Merrill Lynch and affiliates and $8.6$7.2 million of costs attributable to PNC and affiliates as compared to $107.7$116.6 million and $6.9$6.3 million, respectively, in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.

- 38 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for Portfolio administration and servicing costs paid to other non-related third parties increased $9.7 million compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008,2007 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2007. (continued)

Expenses (continued)

a result of an expansion of distribution platforms.

Amortization of Deferred Mutual Fund Sales Commissions

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions increased by $4.7$5.1 million to $33.4$33.9 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared to $28.7$28.8 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. The increase in amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions was primarily the result of higher sales of certain share classes of open-ended funds.

General and Administration Expense

 

  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount %   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands) 2008  2007  Amount % 
              

Portfolio services

  $41,372  $43,844  $(2,472) (6)%

Marketing and promotional

  $45,053  $42,324  $2,729  6.4%   40,557   35,146   5,411  15%

Portfolio services

   46,323   37,994   8,329  21.9%

Occupancy

   34,425   28,438   5,987  21.1%   34,421   34,506   (85) 0%

Technology

   30,266   33,205   (2,939) (8.9)%   31,575   28,547   3,028  11%

Professional services

   18,469   21,944   (3,475) (15.8)%   17,866   22,182   (4,316) (20)%

Closed-end fund launch costs

   5,388   19,801   (14,413) (72.8)%   —     1,875   (1,875) (100)%

Other general and administration

   26,471   31,678   (5,207) (16.4)%   5,126   33,707   (28,581) (85)%
                      

Total general and administration expense

  $206,395  $215,384  $(8,989) (4.2)%  $170,917  $199,807  $(28,890) (15)%
                      

General and administration expenses decreased $9.0$28.9 million, or 4.2%15%, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. Closed-end fund launch costs decreased $14.4 million as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007 due to a closed-end fund launched during the second quarter 2007, which generated $2.0 billion in AUM as compared to one alternative asset fund launched on the London Stock Exchange in the three months ended June 30, 2008, which generated approximately $300 million in AUM. Other generalMarketing and administrationpromotional expense decreased $5.2increased $5.4 million, or 16.4%15%, to $26.5 million, primarily related to a $6.4 million decline in foreign currency remeasurement losses.higher promotional expenses. Professional services decreased $3.5$4.3 million, or 15.8%20%, to $18.5$17.9 million compared to $21.9$22.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 primarily due to decreased consulting costs related to the MLIM integration in 2007. Portfolio servicesClosed-end fund launch costs increased by $8.3decreased $1.9 million as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007 due to no new funds launched during the three months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to one closed-end fund launched during the three months ended September 30, 2007, which generated $235 million in AUM. Other general and administration expense decreased $28.6 million, or 21.9%85%, to $46.3$5.1 million, primarily as a result of the Company incurring additional portfolio service expenses related to certain funds. The increasea $26.7 million decline in this fund-related expense is more than offset by higher administration fee revenue earned on the funds. Occupancy expenses increased by $6.0 million, or 21.1%, to $34.4 million, as a result of an increase of offices worldwide, including the impact of the Quellos Transaction.foreign currency remeasurement costs.

 

- 3941 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Operating results for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.2007 (continued)

 

Expenses (continued)

Termination of Closed-End Fund Administration and Servicing Arrangement

For the three months ended September 30, 2007, BlackRock recorded a one-time expense of $128.1 million related to the termination of administration and servicing arrangements with Merrill Lynch on 40 closed-end funds with original terms of 30-40 years.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

The $5.5 million increase in amortization of intangible assets to $36.6 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, compared to $31.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007, primarily reflects amortization of finite-lived intangible assets acquired in the Quellos Transaction.

Non-Operating Income (Expense), Net of Non-Controlling Interests

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interests, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and 2007 was as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

Total non-operating income

  $(3,263) $213,718  $(216,981) (101.5)%

Non-controlling interests

   19,900   (148,463)  168,363  113.4%
              

Total non-operating income, net of non-controlling interests

  $16,637  $65,255  $(48,618) (74.5)%
              

The components of non-operating income, net of non-controlling interests, for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

   Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interests:

     

Net gain (loss) on investments, net of non-controlling interests:

     

Private equity

  $1,696  $32,636  $(30,940) (94.8)%

Real estate

   (8,455)  3,621   (12,076) (333.5)%

Hedge funds/funds of hedge funds

   11,664   8,785   2,879  32.8%

Other investments1

   15,190   16,698   (1,508) (9.0)%
              

Total net gain on investments, net of non-controlling interests

   20,095   61,740   (41,645) (67.5)%

Other non-controlling interest2

   (662)  —     (662) NM 

Interest and dividend income

   13,924   13,738   186  1.4%

Interest expense

   (16,720)  (10,223)  (6,497) 63.6%
              

Total non-operating income, net of non-controlling interests

  $16,637  $65,255  $(48,618) (74.5)%
              

NM – Not Meaningful

1

Includes investment income related to equity and fixed income investments, collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), deferred compensation arrangements and BlackRock’s seed capital hedging program.

2

Includes non-controlling interest related to operating entities (non-investment activities).

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

Total non-operating income (expense)

  $(139,684) $128,189  $(267,873) (209)%

Non-controlling interests

   21,111   (81,539)  102,650  126%
              

Total non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests

  $(118,573) $46,650  $(165,223) (354)%
              

 

- 4042 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Operating results for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.2007 (continued)

 

Non-Operating Income, Net of Non-Controlling Interests (continued)

The components of non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests, for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

Non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests:

     

Net gain (loss) on investments, net of non-controlling interests:

     

Private equity

  $(3,724) $12,413  $(16,137) (130)%

Real estate

   (13,427)  26,915   (40,342) (150)%

Hedge funds/funds of hedge funds

   (66,008)  (4,154)  (61,854) NM 

Investments related to deferred compensation plans

   (39,361)  (707)  (38,654) NM 

Other investments1

   1,078   1,889   (811) (43)%
              

Total net gain (loss) on investments, net of non-controlling interests

   (121,442)  36,356   (157,798) (434)%

Interest and dividend income

   19,605   20,109   (504) (3)%

Interest expense

   (16,736)  (9,815)  (6,921) 71%
              

Total non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests

   (118,573)  46,650   (165,223) (354)%

Compensation expense related to depreciation on deferred compensation plans

   39,361   707   38,654  NM 
              

Non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests, as adjusted

  $(79,212) $47,357  $(126,569) (267)%
              

NM – Not Meaningful

1

Includes net gain/(loss) related to equity and fixed income investments, collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) and BlackRock’s seed capital hedging program.

Non-operating expense, net of non-controlling interests, decreased $165.2 million to $118.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, compared to $46.7 million of non-operating income, net of non-controlling interests, decreased $48.6 million to $16.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, compared to $65.3 million for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. The decrease in net non-operating income of $48.6$165.2 million primarily reflects declines in valuations of co-investments and seed investments in private equity, real estate and hedge funds/funds of hedge funds products, which includes a $30.9decline of $47.7 million in valuations related to distressed credit products, and a $38.7 million decline in net investment gains from co-investments in private equity products and $12.1 millionvaluations of investments related to declines in valuations on co-investments in real estate products.deferred compensation plans. In addition, net interest expense increased $6.3income decreased $7.4 million compared to secondthird quarter 2007 due primarily to incremental interest expense related to the issuance of long-term debt in September 2007.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $147.6$117.2 million and $125.0$63.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The effective income tax rate was 35.0% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 as compared to 36.0%19.8% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. The decreaseincrease was primarily the result of a one-time tax benefit of $51.4 million recognized in 2007 due to the mix of pre-tax income and tax legislation changes enacted in the third quarter 2007 in the United Kingdom that reduced corporateand Germany, which resulted in a revaluation of certain deferred tax liabilities.

- 43 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2008, as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2007 (continued)

Operating Income

Operating income tax ratestotaled $453.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 which was an increase of $181.8 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007. Operating income for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 included the impact related to the termination of certain closed-end fund servicing and administration arrangements of $128.1 million while operating income for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 included the impact of a $39.4 million reduction of compensation expense related to depreciation on certain deferred compensation plans.

Operating income, as adjusted, totaled $431.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 which was an increase of $9.8 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007. Operating income, as adjusted, for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007 includes the impact of a $26.7 million decline in 2008.foreign currency remeasurement costs.

Operating Margin

The Company’s operating margin was 34.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2008, compared to 20.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2007. Operating margin for the three months ended September 30, 2007 included the impact of a $128.1 million expense for the termination of certain closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements, $6.3 million of MLIM and Quellos integration costs and $2.1 million of closed-end fund launch costs and commissions. Operating margin for the three months ended September 30, 2008 included the impact of a $38.7 million reduction in compensation expense related to depreciation on assets related to certain deferred compensation plans and a $5.5 million increase in amortization of finite-lived intangible assets acquired in the Quellos Transaction.

Operating margin, as adjusted, was 38.4% and 37.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The improvement in margin primarily reflects the impact of a reduction in certain general and administration expenses, including the $26.7 million decline in foreign currency remeasurement costs. Operating margin, as adjusted, is described in more detail in the Overview to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

- 44 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2008, as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2007 (continued)

Net Income

The components of net income and net income, as adjusted, for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance
%
 
  2008  2007  2008  2007  
  GAAP  GAAP  As adjusted  As adjusted  

Operating income

  $453,536  $271,718  $431,330  $421,517  2%

Non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests

   (118,573)  46,650   (79,212)  47,357  (267)%

Income tax expense

   (117,237)  (63,168)  (123,241)  (168,795) (27)%
                  

Net income

  $217,726  $255,200  $228,877  $300,079  (24)%
                  

Diluted earnings per share

  $1.62  $1.94  $1.71  $2.29  (25)%

Net income totaled $274.1$217.7 million, or $2.05$1.62 per diluted share, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, which was an increasea decrease of $51.8$37.5 million, or $0.36$0.32 per diluted share, compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. Net income for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 includesincluded the after-tax impactexpense of the portion of certain LTIP awards that will be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees of $9.6$9.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

Net income of $222.2$255.2 million, or $1.94 per diluted share, for the quarterthree months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 included the after-tax impactsimpact related to the termination of certain closed-end fund servicing and administration arrangements of $82.0 million, the portion of certain LTIP awards which will be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC of $8.9$8.7 million, MLIM and Quellos integration costs of $3.9$4.0 million and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch of $1.6 million to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees. MLIM integration costs primarily include professional feesIn addition, net income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 included a $51.4 million one-time reduction in income tax expense as a result of enacted legislation in the United Kingdom and marketing and promotional expenses. Germany to reduce corporate income tax rates.

Exclusive of these GAAP expensesitems in both periods, fully diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 increased $0.34,decreased $0.58, or 18.9%25%, to $2.14$1.71 compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.

- 41 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended June 30, 2008, as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2007. (continued)

Operating Margin

The Company’s operating margin was 29.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 25.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Operating margin for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 included the impact of $5.4 million and $24.1 million, respectively, of closed-end fund launch costs and commissions. In addition, operating margin for the three months ended June 30, 2007 included the impact of $6.0 million of MLIM integration costs. Operating margin improved 13.6% primarily due to operating leverage associated with the growth in revenue, an $18.7 million reduction in closed-end fund launch costs and commissions and the reduction of MLIM integration costs partially offset by a $17.8 million increase in compensation expense related to appreciation on certain deferred compensation plans and a $5.5 million increase in amortization of finite-lived intangible assets associated with the Quellos Transaction.

Operating margin, as adjusted, which excludes from operating income the impact of certain GAAP operating expenses and adjusts GAAP operating revenue was 37.9% and 36.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The improvement in margin primarily reflects operating leverage associated with growth in revenue. Operating margin, Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, is described in more detail in the Overview to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

- 4245 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Operating results for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared with the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.2007 (continued)

 

Revenue

 

  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Variance   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount %   2008  2007  Amount % 

Investment advisory and administration fees:

              

Fixed income

  $455,551  $440,038  $15,513  3.5%  $685,779  $670,411  $15,368  2%

Equity and balanced

   1,203,938   999,484   204,454  20.5%   1,743,957   1,579,786   164,171  10%

Cash management

   358,059   234,786   123,273  52.5%   534,674   363,168   171,506  47%

Alternative investment products

   276,687   149,810   126,877  84.7%   414,226   237,185   177,041  75%
                      

Investment advisory and administration base fees

   2,294,235   1,824,118   470,117  25.8%   3,378,636   2,850,550   528,086  19%

Fixed income

   1,716   2,621   (905) (34.5)%   1,716   3,350   (1,634) (49)%

Equity and balanced

   67,505   16,041   51,464  320.8%   76,621   31,466   45,155  144%

Alternative investment products

   29,401   29,476   (75) (0.3)%   74,965   162,702   (87,737) (54)%
                      

Investment advisory performance fees

   98,622   48,138   50,484  104.9%   153,302   197,518   (44,216) (22)%
                      

Total investment advisory and administration fees

   2,392,857   1,872,256   520,601  27.8%   3,531,938   3,048,068   483,870  16%

Distribution Fees

   69,002   57,687   11,315  19.6%

Other revenue:

       

BlackRock Solutions

   159,366   88,610   70,756  79.9%   271,959   136,293   135,666  100%

Distribution fees

   103,231   89,997   13,234  15%

Other revenue

   65,864   83,844   (17,980) (21.4)%   93,182   126,118   (32,936) (26)%
           

Total other revenue

   225,230   172,454   52,776  30.6%
                      

Total revenue

  $2,687,089  $2,102,397  $584,692  27.8%  $4,000,310  $3,400,476  $599,834  18%
                      

Total revenue for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 increased $584.7$599.8 million, or 27.8%18%, to $2,687.1$4,000.3 million, compared with $2,102.4$3,400.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. The $584.7$599.8 million increase was primarily the result of a $520.6$483.9 million increase in total investment advisory and administration fees and a $52.8$135.7 million increase in totalBlackRock Solutions, partially offset by a decrease of $32.9 million in other revenue.

 

- 4346 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Operating results for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared with the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.2007 (continued)

 

Revenue (continued)

 

Investment Advisory and Administration Fees

The increase in investment advisory and administration fees of $520.6$483.9 million, or 27.8%16%, was the result of an increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $470.1$528.1 million, or 25.8%19%, to $2,294.2$3,378.6 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, compared with $1,824.1$2,850.6 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007, and an increasepartially offset by a decrease of $50.4$44.2 million in investment advisory performance fees.

The increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $470.1$528.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, compared with the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007, consisted of increases in base fees of $204.5$177.0 million in alternative investment products, $171.5 million in cash management products, $164.2 million in equity and balanced products $126.9 million in alternative investment products, $123.3 million in cash management products and $15.5$15.4 million in fixed income products. The increase in investmentInvestment advisory and administration base fees increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily as a result of increased average AUM for all asset types was driven by increased average AUM across all asset types, which includes the impact of the AUM acquired in the Quellos Transaction,classes for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 as compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.

Investment advisory performance fees increaseddecreased by $50.5$44.2 million, or 104.9%22%, to $98.6$153.3 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared to $48.1$197.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007, primarily as a result of higherlower investment advisory performance fees earned on other alternative investment products including fixed income hedge funds and real estate funds, partially offset by an increase in international equity separate accounts.products.

BlackRock Solutions

BlackRock Solutions revenue of $272.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased $135.7 million, or nearly 100%, compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The increase inBlackRock Solutions revenue was primarily the result of additional advisory assignments and Aladdin® assignments during the period. A portion of the revenue earned on advisory assignments was comprised of one-time advisory and portfolio structuring fees and ongoing fees based on AUM of the respective portfolio assignments.

Distribution Fees

Distribution fees increased by $11.3$13.2 million to $69.0$103.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared to $57.7$90.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. The increase in distribution fees is primarily the result ofdue to the acquisition of distribution financing arrangements from PNC in second quarter 2007.2007, which resulted in the Company receiving distribution fees from such arrangements.

Other Revenue

Total otherOther revenue of $225.2$93.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 increased $52.8decreased $32.9 million, or 30.6%26%, compared with the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. Total otherOther revenue primarily represents fees earned onBlackRock Solutions products and services of $159.4 million, net interest related to securities lending of $17.6 million, property management fees of $18.2$27.1 million earned on real estate products (primarily related to reimbursement of the salaries and benefits of certain Metric employees from certain real estate products), andnet interest related to securities lending of $23.1 million, unit trust sales commissions of $13.9 million.$18.8 million and $24.2 million of other revenue.

The increasedecrease in other revenue of $52.8$32.9 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared to $172.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007, was primarily the result of an increase of $70.8 million fromBlackRock Solutions products and services driven by additional advisory and Aladdin® assignments, partially offset by a decrease in fees earned for fund accounting services of $15.5 million, a $13.6 million decline in other advisory service fees earned in third quarter 2007 and $4.9a $5.6 million earned ondecline in unit trust sales commissions. A portion of the revenue earned on advisory assignments was comprised of both ongoing fees based on AUM of the respective portfolio assignments and one-time advisory and portfolio structuring fees.

 

- 4447 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Operating results for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared with the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.2007 (continued)

 

Expenses

 

  Six Months Ended      
  June 30,  Variance   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  %   2008  2007  Amount % 

Expenses:

               

Employee compensation and benefits

  $1,020,903  $756,075  $264,828  35.0%  $1,488,997  $1,255,817  $233,180  19%

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   309,357   262,163   47,194  18.0%   459,615   401,014   58,601  15%

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   63,630   50,271   13,359  26.6%   97,487   79,034   18,453  23%

General and administration

   419,378   417,549   1,829  0.4%   590,297   617,356   (27,059) (4)%

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   —     128,114   (128,114) (100)%

Amortization of intangible assets

   73,141   62,107   11,034  17.8%   109,698   93,193   16,505  18%
                      

Total expenses

  $1,886,409  $1,548,165  $338,244  21.8%  $2,746,094  $2,574,528  $171,566  7%
                      

Total expenses increased $338.2$171.6 million, or 21.8%7%, to $1,886.4$2,746.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, compared with $1,548.2$2,574.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. The increase was attributable to increases in employee compensation and benefits, portfolio administration and servicing costs, amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions and amortization of intangible assets, offset by a one-time expense of $128.1 million related to the termination of certain closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements in 2007 and a decrease in general and administration expenses. The sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007, included $13.1$19.4 million of MLIM and Quellos integration charges related to the MLIM Transaction,costs, which were primarily recorded in general and administration expense.

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased by $264.8$233.2 million, or 35.0%19%, to $1,020.9$1,489.0 million, at JuneSeptember 30, 2008, compared to $756.1$1,255.8 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. The increase in employee compensation and benefits expense was attributable to increasesa $145.4 million increase in incentive compensation and a $105.4 million increase in salaries, benefits and benefits, stock-basedother employee compensation, andpartially offset by a $17.6 million decrease in deferred compensation of $126.4 million, $77.3 million, $41.3 million and $19.8 million, respectively.compensation. The $126.4$145.4 million increase in incentive compensation was primarily attributable to higher operating income and direct incentives associated with higher base and performance fees.as well as an increase in stock-based compensation, primarily due to additional stock awards granted in the first quarter 2008. The increase of $77.3$105.4 million, or 20.9%19%, in salaries, benefits and benefitsother employee compensation was primarily due to higher staffing levelsincreased staff (including the increase in staff associated with business growth and the Quellos Transaction.fund of funds acquisition in 2007). Full time employees (including employees of Metric) at JuneSeptember 30, 2008 totaled 6,0696,262 as compared to 5,3155,613 at JuneSeptember 30, 2007. Stock-based compensation increased $41.3 million, or 45.6%, primarily due to additional grants of stock awards in the six months ended June 30, 2008. Deferred compensation increased $19.8decreased $17.6 million, primarily due to appreciationdepreciation on assets related to certain deferred compensation plans, which is primarilysubstantially offset by gainslosses on certain investments included in non-operating income.

- 48 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2007 (continued)

Expenses (continued)

Portfolio Administration and Servicing Costs

Portfolio administration and servicing costs increased $47.2$58.6 million, or 18.0%15%, to $309.4$459.6 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, compared to $262.2$401.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. These costs include payments to Merrill Lynch under the Global Distribution Agreement, and payments to PNC as well as other third parties, primarily associated with the administration and servicing of client investments in certain BlackRock products. The $47.2$58.6 million increase related primarily to higher levels of average AUM in open-end funds, cash management products, as well as alternative products.

Portfolio administration and servicing costs for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 included $240.0$357.9 million of costs attributable to Merrill Lynch and affiliates and $16.8$24.1 million of costs attributable to PNC and affiliates as compared to $217.2$333.8 million and $14.1$20.4 million, respectively, in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.

- 45 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2008, Portfolio administration and servicing costs related to other non-related third parties increased $32.7 million as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2007. (continued)

Expenses (continued)a result of an expansion of distribution platforms.

Amortization of Deferred Mutual Fund Sales Commissions

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions increased by $13.3$18.5 million to $63.6$97.5 million for the threenine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared to $50.3$79.0 million for the threenine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. The increase in amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions was primarily the result of the acquisition of distribution financing arrangements from PNC in second quarter 2007 as well as higher sales in certain share classes of open-ended funds.

General and Administration Expense

 

   Six Months Ended       
   June 30,  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

General and administration expense:

       

Marketing and promotional

  $86,508  $83,194  $3,314  4.0%

Portfolio services

   87,498   75,723   11,775  15.6%

Occupancy

   67,733   61,670   6,063  9.8%

Technology

   61,154   61,642   (488) (0.8)%

Professional services

   40,870   45,471   (4,601) (10.1)%

Closed-end fund launch costs

   9,127   32,953   (23,826) (72.3)%

Other general and administration

   66,488   56,896   9,592  16.9%
              

Total general and administration expense

  $419,378  $417,549  $1,829  0.4%
              

General and administration expenses increased $1.8 million, or 0.4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2007. Portfolio services costs increased by $11.8 million to $87.5 million, or 15.6%, primarily as a result of the Company incurring additional portfolio service expenses related to certain funds. The increase in this fund-related expense is more than offset by higher administration fee revenue earned on the funds. Other general and administration costs increased by $9.6 million, or 16.9%, to $66.5 million from $56.9 million, primarily related to an increase in foreign currency remeasurement expenses of $4.0 million and $3.3 million of incremental communication costs. Occupancy expenses increased $6.1 million, or 9.8%, to $67.7 million compared to $61.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 as a result of expansion of offices worldwide (including the impact of the Quellos Transaction). Closed-end funds launch costs decreased $23.8 million as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007 due to two closed-end funds launched during the six months ended June 30, 2007, which generated $2.8 billion in AUM as compared to two funds launched in the six months ended June 30, 2008 which generated $402.4 million in AUM. Professional services decreased $4.6 million, or 10.1%, to $40.9 million compared to $45.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 primarily due to decreased consulting and legal costs related to the MLIM integration in 2007.

    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

General and administration expense:

       

Portfolio services

  $128,870  $119,567  $9,303  8%

Marketing and promotional

   127,066   118,340   8,726  7%

Occupancy

   102,154   96,175   5,979  6%

Technology

   92,729   90,189   2,540  3%

Professional services

   58,735   67,653   (8,918) (13)%

Closed-end fund launch costs

   9,127   34,828   (25,701) (74)%

Other general and administration

   71,616   90,604   (18,988) (21)%
              

Total general and administration expense

  $590,297  $617,356  $(27,059) (4)%
              

 

- 4649 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Operating results for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared with the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 (continued)

Expenses (continued)

General and Administration Expense (continued)

General and administration expenses decreased $27.1 million, or 4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2007. (continued)Portfolio services costs increased by $9.3 million to $128.9 million, or 8%, primarily as a result of the Company incurring additional market data costs and expense reimbursements related to certain funds. Marketing and promotional expenses increased $8.7 million, or 7%, primarily due to increases in promotional expenses. Occupancy expenses increased $6.0 million, or 6%, to $102.2 million compared to $96.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as a result of expansion of offices worldwide (including the impact of the Quellos Transaction). Professional services decreased $8.9 million, or 13%, to $58.7 million compared to $67.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 primarily due to decreased consulting costs related to the MLIM integration in 2007. Closed-end funds launch costs decreased $25.7 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007 due to three closed-end funds launched during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, which generated approximately $3.0 billion in AUM as compared to two closed-end funds launched in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, which generated approximately $400 million in AUM. Other general and administration costs decreased by $19.0 million, or 21%, to $71.6 million from $90.6 million, primarily related to a $22.6 million decrease in foreign currency remeasurement costs.

Termination of Closed-End Fund Administration and Servicing Arrangements

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, BlackRock recorded a one-time expense of $128.1 million, related to the termination of administration and servicing arrangements with Merrill Lynch on 40 closed-end funds with original terms of 30-40 years.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

The $11.0$16.5 million increase in amortization of intangible assets to $73.1$109.7 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, compared to $62.1$93.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007, primarily reflects amortization of finite-lived intangible assets acquired in the Quellos Transaction.

Non-Operating Income, Net of Non-Controlling Interests

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interests, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and 2007 was as follows:

 

  Six Months Ended   
  June 30, Variance   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008 2007 Amount %   2008 2007 Amount % 

Total non-operating income

  $(21,791) $371,449  $(393,240) (105.9)%  $(161,475) $499,639  $(661,114) (132)%

Non-controlling interests

   14,540   (273,131)  287,671  105.3%   35,651   (354,669)  390,320  110%
                      

Total non-operating income, net of non-controlling interests

  $(7,251) $98,318  $(105,569) (107.4)%  $(125,824) $144,970  $(270,794) (187)%
                      

- 50 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2007 (continued)

Non-Operating Income, Net of Non-Controlling Interests (continued)

The components of non-operating income, net of non-controlling interests, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

  Six Months Ended   
  June 30, Variance   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008 2007 Amount %   2008 2007 Amount % 

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interests:

          

Net gain (loss) on investments, net of non-controlling interests:

          

Private equity

  $9,757  $42,903  $(33,146) (77.3)%  $6,033  $55,315  $(49,282) (89)%

Real estate

   (22,391)  2,457   (24,848) NM    (35,359)  29,372   (64,731) (220)%

Hedge funds/hedge funds of funds

   (3,922)  16,720   (20,642) (123.5)%

Hedge funds/funds of hedge funds

   (69,722)  12,567   (82,289) NM 

Investments related to deferred compensation plans

   (15,232)  8,854   (24,086) (272)%

Other investments1

   11,802   25,352   (13,550) (53.4)%   (11,915)  17,681   (29,596) (167)%
                      

Total net gain (loss) on investments, net of non-controlling interests

   (4,754)  87,432   (92,186) (105.4)%   (126,195)  123,789   (249,984) (202)%

Other non-controlling interest2

   (662)  —     (662) NM    (662)  —     (662) NM 

Interest and dividend income

   32,263   32,095   168  0.5%   51,868   52,204   (336) (1)%

Interest expense

   (34,098)  (21,209)  (12,889) 60.8%   (50,835)  (31,023)  (19,812) 64%
                      

Total non-operating income, net of non-controlling interests

  $(7,251) $98,318  $(105,569) (107.4)%   (125,824)  144,970   (270,794) (187)%

Compensation expense related to depreciation (appreciation) on deferred compensation plans

   15,232   (8,854)  24,086  272%
                      

Non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests, as adjusted

  $(110,592) $136,116  $(246,708) (181)%
           

 

NM – Not Meaningful

1

Includes investment incomenet gain/(loss) related to equity and fixed income investments, CDOs deferred compensation arrangements and BlackRock’s seed capital hedging program.

2

Includes non-controlling interest related to operating entities (non-investment activities).

Non-operating expense, net of non-controlling interests, decreased $270.8 million to $125.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest of $145.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in net non-operating income of $270.8 million primarily reflects declines in valuations or lower valuation gains from seed investments and co-investments in real estate funds, private equity and hedge funds/funds of hedge funds, which includes the impact of a $43.8 million decline in valuations of distressed credit products and a $24.1 million decline in valuations of investments related to deferred compensation plans. In addition, net interest income decreased $20.1 million primarily related to incremental interest expense related to the issuance of long-term debt in September 2007.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $394.9 million and $298.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 35.0%, as compared to 30.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The increase was primarily the result of a one-time tax benefit of $51.4 million recognized in 2007 due to tax legislation changes enacted in the third quarter 2007 in the United Kingdom and Germany, which resulted in a revaluation of certain deferred tax liabilities.

 

- 4751 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Operating results for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, as compared with the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.2007 (continued)

 

Non-OperatingOperating Income Net of Non-Controlling Interests (continued)

Non-operatingOperating income net of non-controlling interests, decreased $105.6 million to a loss of $7.3totaled $1,254.2 million for the sixnine months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to income of $98.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The decrease was primarily the result of a $4.8 million net loss on investments compared with a net gain on investments in the six months ended June 30, 2007 and a $12.9 million increase in interest expense related to the issuance of long-term debt in September 2007. The net loss on investments, net of non-controlling interests, in 2008 was primarily due to a decline in valuations from seed investments and co-investments in real estate equity products and hedge funds/funds of hedge funds offset by net gains in private equity and other investments.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $277.7 million and $234.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was 35.0%, as compared to 36.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The decrease was primarily due to the mix of pre-tax income and tax legislation changes enacted in the third quarter 2007 in the United Kingdom that reduced corporate income tax rates in 2008.

Net Income

Net income totaled $515.7 million, or $3.87 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2008 which was an increase of $98.1$428.3 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 included the impact related to the termination of certain closed-end fund servicing and administration arrangements of $128.1 million while operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 included a $15.2 million reduction of compensation expense related to depreciation on certain deferred compensation plans.

Operating income, as adjusted, totaled $1,290.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 which was an increase of $261.5 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Operating income, as adjusted, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007 includes the impact of revenue growth, the Quellos Transaction and the impact of a $22.6 million decline in foreign currency remeasurement costs.

Operating Margin

The Company’s operating margin was 31.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to 24.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Operating margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 included the impact of a $16.5 million increase in amortization of finite-lived intangible assets due to the Quellos Transaction, a $15.2 million reduction in compensation expense related to depreciation on assets related to certain deferred compensation plans and $9.3 million of closed-end fund launch costs and commissions. Operating margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 included the impact of the $128.1 million expense for the termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements, $40.8 million of closed-end fund launch costs and commissions and $19.4 million of MLIM and Quellos integration costs.

Operating margin, as adjusted, was 38.0% and 36.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The nine months ended September 30, 2008 operating margin, as adjusted, rose to 38.0% due to the impact of growth in revenue, a decrease in certain general and administration expenses offset by a $16.5 million increase in amortization of finite-lived intangible assets primarily associated with the Quellos Transaction. Operating margin, as adjusted, is described in more detail in the Overview to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Net Income

The components of net income and net income, as adjusted, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance
%
 
  2008  2007  2008  2007  
  GAAP  GAAP  As adjusted  As adjusted  

Operating income

  $1,254,216  $825,948  $1,290,991  $1,029,423  25%

Non-operating income (expense), net of non-controlling interests

   (125,824)  144,970   (110,592)  136,116  (181)%

Income tax expense

   (394,937)  (298,086)  (413,191)  (419,594) (2)%
                  

Net income

  $733,455  $672,832  $767,208  $745,945  3%
                  

Diluted earnings per share

  $5.49  $5.12  $5.75  $5.67  1%

- 52 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2007 (continued)

Net Income (continued)

Net income totaled $733.5 million, or $0.70$5.49 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, which was an increase of $60.6 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007. Net income for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 includesincluded the after-tax impactexpense of the portion of LTIP awards which will be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees of $19.4$28.9 million and $3.3$4.9 million, respectively.

Net income of $417.6$672.8 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 included the after-tax impactsimpact related to the termination of certain closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements of $82.0 million, the portion of certain LTIP awards which will be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC of $16.6$25.3 million, MLIM and Quellos integration costs of $8.4$12.4 million and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch of $3.2$4.9 million to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees. MLIM integration costs primarily include professional feesIn addition, the United Kingdom and marketing and promotional expenses. Germany enacted legislation reducing corporate income tax rates resulting in a one-time decrease of $51.4 million in income tax expense which is included in net income.

Exclusive of these GAAP expensesitems in both periods, fully diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 increased $0.65,$0.08, or 19.2%1%, to $4.04$5.75 compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.

- 48 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2007. (continued)

Operating Margin

The Company’s operating margin was 29.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 26.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Operating margin for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 included the impact of $9.3 million and $38.6 million, respectively, of closed-end fund launch costs and commissions. In addition, operating margin for the six months ended June 30, 2007 included the impact of $13.1 million of MLIM integration costs. Operating margin improved 12.9% primarily due to operating leverage associated with the growth in revenue, a $29.4 million reduction of closed-end fund launch costs and commissions and the reduction of MLIM integration costs partially offset by a $14.6 million increase in compensation expense related to appreciation on certain deferred compensation plans and a $11.0 million increase in amortization of intangible assets associated with the Quellos Transaction.

Operating margin, as adjusted, which excludes from operating income the impact of certain GAAP operating expenses and adjusts GAAP operating revenue, was 37.8% and 36.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The six months ended June 30, 2008 operating margin, as adjusted, which included the impact of an $11 million increase in amortization of intangible assets primarily associated with the Quellos Transaction, rose 1.4% to 37.8%. Operating margin, Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, is described in more detail in the Overview to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

- 49 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Operating Activities

Sources of BlackRock’s operating cash include investment advisory and administration fees, revenues from BlackRock Solutions’ products and services, mutual fund distribution fees and realized earnings and distributions on the Company’s investments. BlackRock primarily uses its cash to pay compensation and benefits, portfolio administration and servicing costs, general and administration expenses, interest on the Company’s borrowings, purchases of investments, capital expenditures, income taxes and dividends on BlackRock’s capital stock.

BlackRock Cash Flows Excluding the Impact of Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds

In accordance with GAAP, certain BlackRock sponsored investment funds are consolidated into the condensed consolidated financial statements of BlackRock, notwithstanding the fact that BlackRock may only have a minority economic interest in these funds. As a result, BlackRock’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows include the cash flows of consolidated sponsored investment funds. The Company uses an adjusted cash flow, which excludes the impact of consolidated sponsored investment funds, as a supplemental non-GAAP measure to assess liquidity and capital requirements. The Company believes that its cash flows, excluding the impact of the consolidated sponsored investment funds, provide investors with useful information on the cash flows of BlackRock relating to our ability to fund additional operating, investing and financing activities. BlackRock’s management does not advocate that investors consider such non-GAAP measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, its cash flows presented in accordance with GAAP.

- 53 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

BlackRock Cash Flows Excluding the Impact of Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds (continued)

The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows presented on a GAAP basis to the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows excluding the impact on cash flows of consolidated sponsored investment funds:

 

  Six Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2008
 
(Dollar amounts in millions)  June 30, 2008   GAAP
Basis
 Impact on
Cash Flows of
Consolidated
Sponsored
Investment
Funds
 Cash Flows
Excluding
Impact of
Consolidated
Sponsored
Investment
Funds
 
  GAAP
Basis
 Impact on
Cash Flows of
Consolidated
Sponsored
Investment
Funds
 Cash Flows
Excluding
Impact of
Consolidated
Sponsored
Investment
Funds
 

Cash flows from operating activities

  $481  $206  $275   $1,156  $205  $951 

Cash flows from investing activities

   (318)  (5)  (313)   (371)  (26)  (345)

Cash flows from financing activities

   (397)  (212)  (185)   (565)  (193)  (372)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   6   —     6    (83)  —     (83)
                    

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   (228)  (11)  (217)   137   (14)  151 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   1,656   67   1,589    1,656   67   1,589 
                    

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $1,428  $56  $1,372   $1,793  $53  $1,740 
                    

Cash and cash equivalents, excluding cash held by consolidated sponsored investment funds, at September 30, 2008 increased $151 million from December 31, 2007 primarily resulting from $951 million of cash inflows from operating activities, offset by $345 million of cash outflows from investing activities, $372 million of cash outflows from financing activities, and an $83 million decrease due to the effect of foreign exchange rates.

Cash inflows from operating activities, excluding the impact of consolidated sponsored investment funds, for the nine months ended September 30, primarily include the receipt of investment advisory and administration fees and other revenue offset by the payment of operating expenses incurred in the normal course of business. Cash flows from operating activities, excluding the impact of consolidated sponsored investment funds, in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 included cash payments related to year end incentive compensation that is paid in the first quarter. Cash outflows from investing activities, excluding the impact of consolidated sponsored investment funds, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily include net purchases of investments that are made to establish a performance track record, to co-invest with clients or to hedge exposure to certain deferred compensation plans. Cash outflows from financing activities, excluding the impact of consolidated sponsored investment funds, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily include $313 million of payments for cash dividends and a net $100 million repayment of short-term borrowings.

 

- 5054 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

 

Operating Activities

Sources of BlackRock’s operating cash include investment advisory and administration fees, revenues fromBlackRock Solutions’ products and services, property management fees, mutual fund distribution fees and realized earnings and distributions on the Company’s investments. BlackRock primarily uses its cash to pay compensation and benefits, portfolio administration and servicing costs, general and administration expenses, interest on the Company’s borrowings, purchases of investments, capital expenditures, income taxes and dividends on BlackRock’s capital stock.

Cash flows from operating activities in the six months ended June 30, 2008 included cash payments related to year end incentive compensation.

Capital Resources

The Company manages its consolidated financial condition and funding to maintain appropriate liquidity for the business. At JuneCapital resources at September 30, 2008 the Company had total cash and cash equivalents on its condensed consolidated statements of financial condition of $1,427.5 million. Cash and cash equivalents, net of amounts in consolidated sponsored investment funds of $56.3 million and net of regulatory capital requirements of $203.8 million (partially met with cash and cash equivalents), was $1,167.4 million. In addition, at June 30, 2008, the Company had committed access to $2,100.0 million of undrawn cash (net of outstanding letters of credit totaling $100 million) via itsDecember 31, 2007 five-year credit facility, resulting in cash, net of cash in consolidated sponsored investment funds and regulatory capital requirements, plus credit capacity of $3,267.4 million.were as follows:

Approximately $56.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $792.2 million in investments included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of financial condition at June 30, 2008 are held by sponsored investment funds that are consolidated by BlackRock in accordance with GAAP.

   September 30,
2008
  December 31,
2007
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $1,793.3  $1,656.2 

Cash and cash equivalents held by consolidated sponsored investment funds1

   (52.6)  (67.0)

Regulatory capital2

   (215.7)  (217.4)

2007 credit facility – undrawn3 4

   2,071.2   2,100.0 
         

Committed access

  $3,596.2  $3,471.8 
         

1

The Company may not be able to access such cash or investments to use in its operating activities.

2

Partially met with cash and cash equivalents.

3

Net of outstanding letters of credit totaling $100 million.

4

Excludes $128.8 million of undrawn amounts related to Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc.

Investment/Loan Commitments

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company had $487.8$332.6 million of various capital commitments to fund sponsored investment funds and unfunded commitments related to one private equity warehouse facility.funds. Generally, the timing of the funding of capital commitments is uncertain and such commitments could expire before funding. The Company intends to make additional capital commitments from time to time to fund additional investment products for, and with, its clients.

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company had loaned approximately $97.2$142.8 million to a warehouse entity established for certain private equity funds of funds. At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company had committed to make additional loans of approximately $144.5$21.7 million underto the agreement. The Company anticipates making additional commitments under this facility from time to time, but is not obligated to do so.warehouse entity.

On February 29, 2008, the Company committed to provide financing if needed, of up to $60.0 million to Anthracite Capital, Inc. (“Anthracite”), a specialty commercial real estate finance company that is managed by a subsidiary of BlackRock.BlackRock of up to $60 million. Financing is collateralized by Anthracite pledging its ownership interest in an investment fund which is also managed by a subsidiary of BlackRock. Borrowings of $52.5 million, which were outstanding at March 31, 2008, were repaid in April 2008. Subsequent to JuneAt September 30, 2008, Anthracite borrowed $30.0$30 million of financing was outstanding at an interest rate of 5.295%. which was included in due from affiliate on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

 

- 5155 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Investment/Loan Commitments (continued)

 

Borrowings

In August 2007, the Company entered into a five-year $2.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (the “2007 Facility”), which permits the Company to request an additional $500 million of borrowing capacity, subject to lender credit approval, up to a maximum of $3.0 billion. The 2007 Facility requires the Company not to exceed a maximum leverage ratio (ratio of net debt to EBITDA, where net debt equals total debt less domestic unrestricted cash) of 3 to 1, which was satisfied at JuneSeptember 30, 2008.

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company had $300.0$200 million outstanding under the 2007 Facility with an interest rates between 2.655% to 5.105%rate of 3.885% and maturity dates between July 2008 and Septemberdate during October 2008. During JulyOctober 2008, the Company repaid $100.0rolled over the $200 million in borrowings with an interest rate of 3.37% and a maturity date during November 2008.

Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. has a $140 million participation under the balance outstanding.2007 Facility; however BlackRock does not expect that Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. will honor its commitment to fund additional amounts.

In addition, in December 2007, in order to support two enhanced cash funds that BlackRock manages, BlackRock elected to procure two letters of credit under the existing 2007 Facility totaling in aggregate $100 million.

In June 2008, BlackRock Japan Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a five billion Japanese yen commitment-line agreement with a banking institution (the “Japan Commitment-line”). The term of the Japan Commitment-line is one year and interest will accrue at the applicable Japanese short-term prime rate. The Japan Commitment-line is intended to provide liquidity flexibility for operating requirements in Japan. At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company had no borrowings outstanding on the Japan Commitment-line.

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, long-term borrowings were $946.6$946.7 million. Debt service and repayment requirements, assuming the convertible debentures are repaid at BlackRock’s option in 2010, are $25.2 millionis $0 for the remainder of 2008, $51.0 million in 2009, $297.7 million in 2010 and $43.8 million in each of 2011 and 2012.

On October 16, 2008, the Company’s 2.625% Convertible Debentures due 2035 (the “debentures”) became convertible at the option of the holders into cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, after the trustee determined that the trading price for the debentures on each day of a five consecutive trading day period was less than 103% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock on such date and the conversion rate on such date. The debentures continued to be convertible for each subsequent five business day period after any period during which the trading price condition continued to be met. The conversion period ended on October 30, 2008 after the debentures failed to satisfy the trading price condition on October 24, 2008. During the conversion period holders of $0.5 million of debentures elected to convert their holdings into cash and shares. In addition, on or after February 15, 2009, the debentures may be convertible into cash and shares at any time prior to maturity at the option of the holder.

Contingent Payments Related to Quellos Transaction

Quellos may be entitled to receive two contingent payments upon achieving certain investment advisory revenue measures through December 31, 2010. The first contingent payment, of up to $374 million, is payable in 2009 up to 25% in BlackRock common stock and the remainder in cash. The second contingent payment, of up to $595 million is payable in cash in 2011.

Support of Two Enhanced Cash Funds

During 2007, BlackRock made investments in two enhanced cash funds to enhance liquidity of the funds and to facilitate redemptions. At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, BlackRock’s total net investment in these two funds was approximately $88.5 million.

- 56 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Support of Two Enhanced Cash Funds (continued)

In December 2007, BlackRock entered into capital support agreements with the two funds. These credit support agreements are backed by letters of credit drawn under BlackRock’s existing credit facility. Pursuant to the capital support agreements, BlackRock has agreed to make subsequent capital contributions to the funds to cover realized losses, up to $100 million, related to specified securities held by the funds. BlackRock provided approximately $1$1.0 million of capital contributions to these two funds for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 under the capital support agreements.

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, in applying the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46(R),Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities(“FIN 46(R)”), BlackRock concluded that it is the primary beneficiary of one of the funds which resulted in consolidation of the fund on its condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. At December 31, 2007, BlackRock concluded it was not the primary beneficiary of either fund.the funds.

Exposure to Collateralized Debt Obligations

In the normal course of business, BlackRock actacts as a collateral manager to various CDOs. A CDO is a managed investment vehicle that purchases a portfolio of assets or enters into swaps. A CDO funds its activities through the issuance of several tranches of debt and equity, the repayment and return of which are linked to the performance of the assets in the CDO. The Company also may invest in a portion of the debt or equity issued. These entities meet the definition of a variable interest entity under FIN 46(R). BlackRock has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of these CDOs, and as a result it does not consolidate these CDOs on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, BlackRock’s maximum risk of loss related to CDOs was approximately $25.5$24.5 million and $32.1 million, respectively.

- 52 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Net Capital Requirements

The Company is required to maintain net capital in certain jurisdictions, which is met in part by retaining cash and cash equivalent investments in those jurisdictions. As a result, the Company may be restricted in its ability to transfer cash between different jurisdictions. Additionally, transfer of cash between international jurisdictions, including repatriation to the United States, may have adverse tax consequences that could discourage such transfers. At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company was required to maintain approximately $203.8$215.7 million in net capital at these subsidiaries and iswas in compliance with all applicable regulatory minimum net capital requirements.

- 57 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. In addition to Fair Value Measurements, discussed below, see Note 2 and the Company’s Critical Accounting Policies in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in BlackRock’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2008 for details on Significant Accounting Policies.

Fair Value Measurements

BlackRock adopted the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157,Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), as of January 1, 2008. See Note 1, Significant Accounting Policies to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this filing.

BlackRock reports its investments on a GAAP basis, which includes investment balances which are owned by sponsored investment funds that are deemed to be controlled by BlackRock in accordance with GAAP and therefore are consolidated even though BlackRock may not own a majority of such funds. As a result, management reviews its investments on an “economic” basis, which eliminates the portion of investments that do not impact BlackRock’s book value. BlackRock’s management does not advocate that investors consider such non-GAAP measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The following table represents investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis at JuneSeptember 30, 2008:

 

(Dollar amounts in millions)  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
 Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 Other
Investments
Not Held at
Fair Value (3)
  Investments at
June 30, 2008
   Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 Other
Investments
Not Held at
Fair Value (3)
  Investments at
September 30, 2008
 

Total investments, GAAP

  $312  $205  $1,386  $39  $1,942   $272  $509  $1,327  $38  $2,146 

Net assets for which the Company does not bear “economic” exposure(1)

   (6)  (36)  (454)  —     (496)   (3)  (357)  (453)  —     (813)
                                

Net “economic” investment exposure(2)

  $306  $169  $932  $39  $1,446   $269  $152  $874  $38  $1,333 
                                

 

(1)

Consists of net assets attributable to non-controlling investors of consolidated sponsored investment funds.

(2)

Includes BlackRock’s portion of cash and cash equivalents, other assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and other liabilities that are consolidated from sponsored investment funds.

(3)

Includes investments in equity method investees and investments held at cost, which in accordance with GAAP are not accounted for under a fair value measure in accordance with GAAP as well as investments held at cost.measure.

 

- 5358 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As a leading investment management firm, BlackRock devotes significant resources across all of its operations to identifying, measuring, monitoring, managing and analyzing market and operating risks, including the management and oversight of its own investment portfolio. The Board of Directors of the Company has adopted guidelines for the review of investments to be made by the Company, requiring, among other things, that all investments be reviewed by the Company’s Capital Committee, which consists of senior officers of the Company, and that certain investments over prescribed thresholds receive prior approval from the Audit Committee or the Board of Directors depending on the circumstances.

AUM Market Price Risk

BlackRock’s investment management revenues are primarily comprised of fees based on a percentage of the value of AUM and, in some cases, performance fees expressed as a percentage of the returns realized on AUM. At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the majority of our investment advisory and administration fees were based on AUM of the applicable mutual funds or separate accounts. Movements in equity market prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates or all three could cause the value of AUM to decline, which could result in lower investment advisory and administration fees.

Corporate Investment Portfolio Risks

In the normal course of its business, BlackRock is exposed to equity market price risk, interest rate risk and foreign exchange rate risk associated with its corporate investments.

BlackRock has investments primarily in sponsored investment products that invest in a variety of asset classes. Investments generally are made to establish a performance track record, for co-investment purposes or to hedge exposure to certain deferred compensation plans. Currently, the Company has a seed capital hedging program in which it enters into total return swaps to hedge exposure to certain equity investments. At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the outstanding total return swaps had an aggregate notional value of approximately $74$63 million.

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, approximately $792$1,171 million of BlackRock’s total investments were maintained in sponsored investment funds that are deemed to be controlled by BlackRock in accordance with GAAP and therefore are consolidated even though BlackRock may not own a majority of such funds. Prior to the impact of the seed capital hedging program, the Company’s net economic exposure tointerests in its investment portfolio is as follows:

 

  June 30, December 31, 
(Dollar amounts in millions)  2008 2007   September 30,
2008
 December 31,
2007
 

Total investments

  $1,942  $2,000   $2,146  $2,000 

Consolidated sponsored investments funds

   (792)  (1,054)   (1,171)  (1,054)

Net exposure to consolidated investment funds

   296   325 

Net interests in consolidated investment funds

   358   325 
              

Total net “economic” investment exposure

  $1,446  $1,271 

Total net “economic” investments

  $1,333  $1,271 
              

Equity Market Price Risk

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company’s net exposure to equity price risk in its investment portfolio is approximately $945$888 million (net of $74$63 million of certain equity investments that are hedged via total return swaps) of the Company’s net economic investment exposure. The Company estimates that a 10% adverse change in equity prices would result in a decrease of approximately $94.5$88.8 million in the carrying value of such investments.

 

- 5459 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (continued)

 

Interest Rate Risk

At JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company was exposed to interest-rate risk as a result of approximately $427$382 million of investments in debt securities and sponsored investment products that invest primarily in debt securities. Management considered a hypothetical 100 basis point fluctuation in interest rates and estimates that the impact of such a fluctuation on these investments, in the aggregate, would result in a decrease, or increase, of approximately $5.6$4.1 million in the carrying value of such investments.

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

As discussed above, the Company invests in sponsored investment products that invest in a variety of asset classes. The carrying value of the net economic investment exposure denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the British pound sterling and the Euro, was $84$68 million. A 10% adverse change in foreign exchange rates would result in approximately an $8.4a $6.8 million decline in the carrying value of such investments.

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the direction of BlackRock’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, BlackRock evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) at JuneSeptember 30, 2008. Based on this evaluation, BlackRock’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that BlackRock’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at JuneSeptember 30, 2008.

Internal Control and Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.

 

- 5560 -


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

See Note 9, Commitments, Contingencies and Contingencies,Guarantees, to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this filing.

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

In addition to the risk factors previously disclosed in BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, BlackRock’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of the following risks.

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect BlackRock.

Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We, and the funds and accounts that we manage, have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us or the funds and accounts that we manage to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty or client. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely impact our revenues and earnings.

The failure or negative performance of products of other financial institutions could lead to reduced AUM in similar products of BlackRock without regard to the performance of BlackRock’s products.

The failure or negative performance of products of other financial institutions could lead to a loss of confidence in similar products of BlackRock without regard to the performance of BlackRock’s products. Such a negative contagion could lead to withdrawals, redemptions and liquidity issues in such products and have a material adverse impact on our AUM, revenues and earnings.

- 61 -


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION (Continued)

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

(c)During the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the Company made the following purchases of its common stock, which is registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act.

 

   Total Number of
Shares

Purchased
  Average Price
Paid per Share
  Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
of Programs
  Maximum
Number of
Shares that May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs1

April 1, 2008 through April 30, 2008

  5,270 2 $204.77  —    751,400

May 1, 2008 through May 31, 2008

  9,719 2 $219.02  —    751,400

June 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008

  2,795 2 $212.09  —    751,400
            

Total

  17,784  $213.71  —    
            
   Total Number of
Shares
Purchased
  Average Price
Paid per Share
  Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
of Programs
  Maximum
Number of
Shares that May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs1

July 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008

  2,3842 $181.33  —    751,400

August 1, 2008 through August 31, 2008

  2992 $221.53  —    751,400

September 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008

  5732 $217.50  —    751,400
            

Total

  3,256  $191.39  —    
            

 

1

On August 2, 2006, the Company announced a 2.1 million share repurchase program with no stated expiration date. An additional indeterminable number of shares may be repurchased under the 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Plan (“2002 LTIP”).

2

Reflects purchases made by the Company primarily to satisfy income tax withholding obligations of employees related to the vesting of certain restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards. All such purchases were made outside of the publicly announced share repurchase program.

 

- 5662 -


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ( continued)(continued)

 

Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The annual meeting of stockholders of BlackRock was held on May 27, 2008, for the purpose of considering and acting upon the following:

(1)Election of Directors. Six Class III directors were elected and the votes cast for or against/withheld were as follows:

   Aggregate Votes
   For  Withheld

Nominees for Class III

    

Robert C. Doll

  113,331,184  1,465,653

Gregory J. Fleming

  112,330,984  1,465,853

Murry S. Gerber

  113,405,853  390,984

James Grosfeld

  112,961,117  835,720

Sir Deryck Maughan

  112,961,480  835,357

Linda Gosden Robinson

  113,117,594  679,243

As of August 7, 2008 the other continuing directors of BlackRock are Laurence D. Fink, Mathis Cabiallavetta, Dennis D. Dammerman, William S. Demchak, Kenneth B. Dunn, Robert S. Kapito, David H. Komansky, Thomas H. O’Brien, James E. Rohr and John A. Thain.

(2)Ratification of Auditor. The appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year 2008 was ratified.

   Aggregate Votes
   For  Against  Abstain

Ratification of Appointment

  113,789,219  5,639  1,979

There were no broker non-votes for any of the items.

- 57 -


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ( continued)

Item 6.Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

10.1(1)+

  1.1 (1)

  Letter to Ann Marie Petach.Amended and Restated Stockholder Agreement, dated as of July 16, 2008, between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock, Inc.

  1.2 (1)

Amended and Restated Global Distribution Agreement, dated as of July 16, 2008, between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock, Inc.

  1.3

Consent and Waiver, dated as of July 16, 2008, between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock, Inc.

12.1

  Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

31.1

  Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

31.2

  Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

32.1

  Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

 

(1)Filed herewith.
+Denotes compensatory arrangement.Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2008.

 

- 5863 -


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 BLACKROCK, INC.
 (Registrant)
 By: 

/s/ Ann Marie Petach

Date: August 8,November 7, 2008  Ann Marie Petach
  Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer

- 64 -


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

10.1(1)+

  1.1 (1)

  Letter to Ann Marie Petach.Amended and Restated Stockholder Agreement, dated as of July 16, 2008, between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock, Inc.

  1.2 (1)

Amended and Restated Global Distribution Agreement, dated as of July 16, 2008, between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock, Inc.

  1.3

Consent and Waiver, dated as of July 16, 2008, between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock, Inc.

12.1

  Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

31.1

  Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

31.2

  Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

32.1

  Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

 

(1)Filed herewith.
+Denotes compensatory arrangement.Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2008.